awkward student stepped upon the scene, all his fears vanished. The
fastidious Lottie, whose eye had grown so nice and critical that
she could refuse the suit of many who from their wealth and position
thought it impossible to sue in vain, could never look upon this
Western giant in a way other than she proposed,--the ridiculous
subject of a practical joke. True, he had proved himself no fool
in their table-talk, but mere intellectuality and moral excellence
counted for little in De Forrest's estimation when not combined
with wealth and external elegance. The thought that the "giant"
might have a heart, and that Lottie's clever seeming might win it,
and the consequent mortification and suffering, did not occasion
a moment's care. Unconsciously De Forrest belonged to that lordly
class which has furnished our Neros, Napoleons, and tyrants of
less degree, even down to Pat who beats his wife. These, from their
throne of selfishness, view the pain and troubles of others with
perfect unconcern. Therefore, believing that his personal interests
were not endangered by so unpromising a man as Hemstead, even
Lottie did not look forward to the carrying out of the practical
joke with more zest than he. If the unsuspicious victim could only
be inveigled into something like love, its awkward display might
become comical in the extreme. Therefore, he gave but careless
heed to his game, and keen glances to Lottie's side-play. But as
the other conspirators were acting in much the same manner he was
able to hold his own.

Hemstead looked grave, as cards were brought out, but without remark
he sat down with his aunt at a table on the opposite side of the
hearth. Lottie perched on a chair a little back of them, so that
while she saw their side faces they must turn somewhat to see her.
When they did so she was quietly stitching at her fancy-work, but