daughters after six of the Muses. Clio, the eldest, inherited the
largest part of her mother's ability.

The former often regretted that three unruly boys came to interrupt
the succession of the classic nine.

But all this addition of inspiration at this festive season did not
_inspire_ the Verne family with any such high-toned sentiments
as might have been expected.

"Marguerite Verne," explained the haughty Evelyn, the imperious
first-born of the family, "you are enough to drive anyone
distracted! How can you submit so tamely to being bored to death by
such pests? Indeed, Aunt Hester with all her wisdom is preferable to
that empty headed woman and her muses."

Marguerite had retired to her own room. She was sitting at a small
ebony writing desk, jotting down a few thoughts in her diary When
her sister entered, but now arose and drew forth a luxurious
arm-chair for the imperious beauty to recline in.

"If worrying myself to death would do me any good, I might try it
too, Evelyn; but as it does not, I try to make the best of it."

"There you are again, with your philosophical ideas. I must expect
nothing else from one who cares so little for the opinions of
others, and lives only in sight of all the old half-crazed poets and
fanatics of the Dark Ages."

Marguerite durst not look toward the speaker, lest her quizzical