"Josie Jordan, I would not stoop so far beneath the dignity of woman as to indulge in the most 'harmless flirtation,' and I pity the woman who does so; but man, with all his high sense of honor, and in possession of those manly graces which, when properly directed, are a guiding-star to society, falls low indeed when he becomes what is generally termed a flirt."
"Dear me," cried Josie, "and you really passed through the campaign without making an attack upon any of the celestials?"
"I am not going to tell you, Josie. I only wish you to know that I walked, danced, sang and was kindly entertained, and hope that I may only have an opportunity of returning such kindness when any of those acquaintances should happily tread on Haligonian classic soil."
"I believe the poetic and aesthetic of the celestial have taken, deep root already! Girls, just listen to the style of speech—tread on classic soil!"
At this Marguerite smiled, yet she did not altogether endorse Josie's repartee, and going to a cabinet took out a portfolio, which she passed to Helen.
"Excuse me, Josie, I had almost forgotten to have these sketches ready to send by the evening mail. I have promised two of them to Cousin Jennie, and really am at a loss to decide—which do you like best?"
Marguerite had now arranged several pretty sketches before her companions, and to decide was no easy task.
"This is cute!" cried Josie, holding up the foremost of the group.
"The banks of Nith," remarked Helen, examining the pretty Scotch landscape with the air of a connoiseur.
"Yes, I believe Jennie will like that," said Marguerite, taking the proffered sketch.