was the nature by which she tested others.

As the foregoing remarks turned into a lengthy conversation
Marguerite scarcely heeded that Trinity chimed out the hour of nine
when the trio turned their steps homeward, Master Charlie forming an
advance guard, and making the air resound with all the hilarity at
his command when he came in friendly contact with some of his
"fellers" as he expressed himself.

When Marguerite bade good night to her companion and stood for a
moment in the hallway watching the retreating figure, we will not
disclose her thoughts, but will follow her to the drawing-room,
where "the Listers" are marshalled _en masse_ awaiting her
return.

"Marguerite, you darling!" exclaimed the eldest Miss Lister rushing
forward and embracing the former in a manner that was more
demonstrative than conventional, but was accepted with the best of
grace, notwithstanding there was to be a repetition four times in
succession.

Mrs. Lister was a distant cousin of Mr. Verne, and having six
marriageable daughters on hand, had recourse to much diplomacy in
the way of matrimonial speculations. For several years she had been
in the habit of spending the New Year with the Verne family, each
year adding one more eligible, until she has now the happy six.

It had ever been the boast of Mrs. Lister that she had attended
boarding school, and carried off several prizes for her classic
ability; and in order to establish the fact, had named her six