She was indeed a very different girl from Lottie Marsden, and many
would regard her as a better one. Her face and character were of a
type only too familiar to close observers of society. She was the
beginning of several desirable things, but the pattern was in no
instance finished, and was always ravelling out on one side or the
other. She had the features of a pretty girl, but ill health and
the absence of a pleasing expression spoiled them. She had a fine
education, but did not know what to do with it; considerable talent,
but no energy; too much conscience, as she had not the resolution
to obey it. Her life was passed mainly in easy chairs, chronic
dyspepsia, and feeble protest against herself and all the world.

Lottie often half provoked but never roused her by saying: "Bel,
you are the most negative creature I ever knew. Why don't you do
something or be something out and out? Well, ''Tis an ill wind
that blows nobody any good.' You make an excellent foil for me."

And gloriously rich and tropical did Lottie appear against the
colorless background of her friend. Bel felt that she suffered
by the comparison so frankly indicated, but was too indolent and
irresolute to change for the better or avoid companionship with
one whose positive and full-blooded nature seemed to supplement
her own meagre life.

When all appeared in the dining-room the shades and contrasts in
character became more evident. At the head of the table sat a gentleman
as yet not introduced, Mr. Dimmerly by name, a bachelor brother
of Mrs. Marchmont who resided with her. He was a quaint-appearing
little man, who in a greater degree than his age required seemed