"Oh, you are decided to be always right, I know!" cried Elinor, laughing, though piqued; "and that is the very reason I always hate you! However, you excite my curiosity to fathom her; so let her come to me in town, and I'll take her under my own care, if only to judge your discernment, by finding out how she merits your quixotism."

Harleigh then returned to the young woman, and hesitatingly said, "Pardon my intrusion, but—permit me, as you have so unfortunately lost your purse—"

"If my place, Sir," hastily interrupted the stranger, "is taken, I can require nothing else."

"Yet—you have the day to pass here; and you will with difficulty exist merely upon air, even where so delightedly you inhale it; and Miss Joddrel, I fear, has forgotten to bring you the little offering of your veteran friend; therefore—"

"If he has the infinite goodness to intend me any, Sir, permit, at least,