At breakfast Flora and I explained in a humorous manner our agreement of the previous evening. My stepmother took up the matter in the playful spirit with which it was delivered, and laughed at our "hate-contract." Selma, on the other hand, did not take it in that light, but looked at us with a serious, almost sorrowful countenance. I endeavoured to pacify her, while showing her in our hate a new way to friendship. She became cheerful again, and sang

"A little squabble, by the bye,

Is not much to signify," &c.

She left us in order to attend to the domestic affairs

of the day. Shortly afterwards came Baron Lennartson. After a brief general conversation he took Flora aside, and conversed with her a long time in an under toned voice. He appeared to solicit something very earnestly, and seized her hand at the same time more than once; and Flora did not appear to have any obJection to it. I looked at my stepmother, and she at me. "That seems to be a very friendly way of going on, indeed, between guardian and ward," said I.

"Yes," rejoined my stepmother, "but they are more to each other, indeed, than guardian and ward." "What? Are they betrothed?"

"Yes, but it is not yet publicly declared, nor is it yet generally talked about."

"Flora," continued I, "will, I suppose, be of age in spring, and can then dispose of a considerable fortune?" Only of the interest of it. Of the capital, according to the will of her uncle, to whom Flora and her

brother owe their whole fortune, none can dispose except her future husband only. He was a peevish

old man, and had no confidence in female management of business affairs. He also prescribed that Flora should not be allowed to marry before her twenty-fifth year, which she will attain in spring, on the peril of forfeiting a considerable portion of her inheritance."

Selma entered; Lennartson finished his discourse with Flora, and went away after he had kissed her hand, and softly, but emphatically, whispered to her the words: "Remember!"

"Well, that was a very serious conversation, indeed," said my stepmother, somewhat inquisitively to Flora. The latter, after a survey in the glass, came up to her with sparkling eyes.

"Yes," said Flora, "he is so kind-so excellent! One cannot help doing all that he wishes."

I sighed audibly.

"What's the matter? Why does Sophia sigh so?" inquired Flora.

"Because I presume that you will soon be very happy through Lennartson, and accept his hand; and I am obliged, you know, to cherish my hatred."

"Ah!" retorted Flora, laughing, "do not grieve about that yet. The question at issue is at present less about me than Felix," added she, half sadly. "My respected guardian wishes that I should become a pattern, an example, a companion to him; but I cannot exactly boast of any influence on my brother; and I know very well who could operate on him better than I, and change my dear Felix into a real Phoenix, if she would,-what think you, Selma?"

Selma turned away, and in a low tone replied: "We will not talk on that subject!"

"Well, then we'll talk of my dress for the masque

"Come

rade!" exclaimed Flora, with playful alacrity. and help me in the selection of colours; you have such good taste."

She took Selma's arm, and the two cousins skipped, out of the room singing.

On my afterwards going, with a message to Selma, into Flora's room, I found the two engaged in a warm conversation, surrounded with silver and gold gauze. "But, Flora, that's too dear," said Selma.

"But it will look heavenly beautiful," replied Flora. "It may be made pretty also in other ways-and the difference in the cost is indeed considerable. Why you have just promised Lennartson to be an example to Felix."

"Yes, yes, generally speaking, but not in all trifles. In such matters I will follow my own mind. Dear Selma, do not now assume your wise look, it does not become you; be a little more cheerful. We will now advert to the turban.-Ah, aunt! That is delightful! Aunt shall tell me

"

And Flora turned to my stepmother who just entered, and without any consideration coincided with Flora in her plans respecting the costly attire which was to transform her into a Circassian lady.

Then, embracing Selma, she said to me: "How do you like this child here, Sophy, who wishes to remain at home with her old mother rather than drive to the masquerade at W * * * ?”

"I like that," rejoined I.

"How was it possible for Fräulein Philosophy to judge otherwise of such wise conduct?" observed Flora, somewhat piqued.

"But if I," continued my stepmother, winking at

me with satisfaction, "if I were to take the expense of the entire equipment on myself . . . ."

"Mamma will not do that," exclaimed Selma, "if she loves me. It is really a fact; I have no desire to go to this ball, and still less to ruin myself for it. Besides, my mother would only go there on my account, and— considering one thing with another-I am sure I shall spend this evening more agreeably at home."

"Now you wish to win Lennartson's heart," said Flora, with acrimony.

"Flora!" exclaimed Selma, with a look of astonishment and offended innocence, while her eyes filled with

tears.

"Pardon!" prayed Flora, kissing her glowing cheeks. "My intention was not such as I expressed it. But what I really mean is, that you are more deserving of him than I."

Materials and dresses now engrossed all our attention.

November 9th.

Selma had transformed my wardrobe and compelled me to become modern. And I have suffered myself to be compelled, seeing that it afforded so much pleasure to her and my stepmother. And my stepmother! She has quite embarrassed me by her handsome presents. But as the giving of them was so evidently gratifying to her, I could not do otherwise than gratefully accept them. To-day, in child-like joy at my dinner-toilet, Selma exclaimed ;

"Ah, I only wish Balzac might see you; he would soon make you the subject of a romance, and represent you inspired at least with three passions till death."

"That would be," rejoined I,

66 a strong proof in favour of the power of his poetic fancy, for in reality I have no longer any power to inspire a passion." "Hem-hem-hem!" interrupted my stepmother, with a courteous diplomatic air.

"And still less do I wish it," continued I

"Now are the times of folly past,

And wisdom's day is come at last."

"A wisdom," said Flora, "which probably savours a little of the fox's vis-à-vis with the grapes. I, for my part, never can believe, that a woman does not wish to please, to win hearts, and have incense and sacrifice offered at her shrine as long as she lives; let her name be Cleopatra, or Ninon, or Santa Philosophia."

"Santa Philosophia might one day teach you another lesson," replied I, seriously; and my stepmother, who sometimes appears to be a little afraid that the 'hated contract' between me and Flora might become one in earnest, hastened to give a turn to the conversation by dinner, on which occasion Selma's playful jests set us all into a good humour. Flora and I made various remarks about our 'hate contract,' and took up many clauses and paragraphs in the same. My stepmother interlarded them with jokes and laughter. As matters now stand, I think that we are here together an awakened little people, and know how to cheer each other.

November 12th.

Our every-day life begins more and more to assume form. There is a great prevalence of diversion in it, and I am glad to be able to retire from it into my solitary