A SLEIGH-RIDE AND SOMETHING MORE.





Lottie assumed an unusual degree of gayety during the early part
of the meal, but her flow of spirits seemed unequal, and to flag
towards the last. She had sudden fits of abstraction, during which
her jetty eyebrows contracted into unwonted frowns.

Her practical joke did not promise so well as on the evening
before. That unexpected half-hour's talk had shown some actions in
a new light. She did not mind doing wicked things that had a spice
of hardihood and venturesomeness in them. But to do what had been
made to appear mean and dishonorable was another thing, and she was
provoked enough at Hemstead for having unconsciously given that
aspect to her action and character, and still more annoyed and
perplexed that her conscience should so positively side with him.
Thus it will be seen that her conscience was unawakened, rather
than seared and deadened.

As she came to know Hemstead better, she found that he was different
from what she had expected. The conventional idea of a theological
student had dwelt in her mind; and she had expected to find a
rather narrow and spiritually conceited man, full of the clerical
mannerisms which she had often heard laughed at. But she saw that
Hemstead's awkwardness would wear away, through familiarity with
society, and that, when at ease, he was simple and manly in manner.
She also perceived that this seclusion from the world, which was