fact, nothing as guide but a very pronounced desire to please, first herself, then François, then everybody; and no amount of meditation showed her how all these objects were to be combined. To be sure, the Snark tells us of a mind so equably divided that when it would call upon Richard or William, it could decide upon neither, and so summoned Rilchiam; but the Snark was not composed in those days, and it is unkind to play with Valerie s feelings in this manner, so let us resume serious history.
The clock struck twelve: a handful of sand thrown against Valerie's window announced a visitor below; and, opening the casement, the young lady was startled to find the top of her lover s blonde head upon a level with the sill.
"Why, how came you there, François?" exclaimed she.
"The fruit-ladder. I was afraid they would hear if we spoke aloud. There is not a moment to spare, for everybody but my father is up and about. I went to see if all was safe, and nearly ran over your governess. But never mind all that. Tell me, Valerie, tell me like a brave and honest girl, tell me that you love me as I love you."
"Certainly, I love you, François: I am very fond of you; but"—
"But what? Speak out, Valerie, be honest."
"How can I speak out when I don't know what to say?" demanded Valerie pettishly. François uttered an exclamation as of physical pain.
"O Valerie! You do not know! You are trifling
