VANCE.--"Fancy, Miss Sophy, that this young gentleman is very dear to
you. Have you got a brother?"

SOPHY.--"Ah, no, sir."

VANCE.--"Hum. But you have, or have had, a doll?"

SOPHY.--"Oh, yes; Grandfather gave me one."

VANCE.--"And you were fond of that doll?"

SOPHY.--"Very."

VANCE.--"Fancy that young gentleman is your doll grown big, that it is
asleep, and you are watching that no one hurts it; Mr. Rugge, for
instance. Throw your whole soul into that thought,--love for doll,
apprehension of Rugge. Lionel, keep still, and shut your eyes; do."

LIONEL (grumbling).--"I did not come here to be made a doll of."

VANCE.--"Coax him to be quiet, Miss Sophy, and sleep peaceably, or I
shall do him a mischief. I can be a Rugge, too, if I am put out."

SOPHY (in the softest tones).--"Do try and sleep, sir: shall I get you a
pillow?"

LIONEL.--"No, thank you: I'm very comfortable now," settling his head
upon his arm; and after one upward glance towards Sophy, the lids closed
reluctantly over his softened eyes. A ray of sunshine came aslant
through the half-shut window, and played along the boy's clustering hair