"So flattering that I shall not repeat my description."
"From such reticence I guess what you have said," replied Dan, laughing. "Will I see Miss Linisfarne?"
"No. She never sees any one."
"Why not?"
"I cannot tell you. Perhaps it is because she has lost her beauty."
"Was she beautiful?"
"Oh, very, very beautiful!" said Meg, earnestly. "She showed me her portrait, and I never saw anything so lovely in my life."
"Ah! Then you have not looked in the glass lately," observed Dan, rashly.
Meg jumped up quickly, and frowned. Again that fear made itself felt.
"You should not jest with me. I don't like it."