"I prefer fairies less cold and ethereal," said De Forrest, with
a meaning look at the speaker.

"What do you prefer, Mr. Hemstead?" she asked. "But where we people
of the world speak of fairies, sprites, and nymphs, I suppose you
permit yourself to think only of angels."

"Were it so," he replied, "I should still be of the same mind as
Mr. De Forrest, and be glad that you are not an angel."

"Why so?"

"You might use your wings and leave us."

"Were I one, I would not leave you after that speech. But see how
far I am from it. I weigh one hundred and fifteen pounds."

"I wish you were no farther off than that."

"What do you mean?"

"It's not our weight in avoirdupois that drags us down. But I am
not going to preach any more to-day. Listen to the bells--how they
echo from the hill-side!"

"Yes, Julian, listen to Bel," said Lottie to De Forrest, who was
about to speak. "I'm talking to Mr. Hemstead. See those snow-crystals
on my muff. How can you account for so many odd and beautiful
shapes?"