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174 proud sensitive nature. At present he felt pretty sure that Elizabeth's heart was not in danger, but there was no security that it might not become so. To exhibit Alaric Baring in the least attractive light, while making his own way as rapidly as possible in Elizabeth's favour, was now the most important thing. His own amiability, his good spirits and imperturbable temper, were perfect—might be said to be almost exasperating. Brought into constant friction with it, he foresaw that Alaric's temper would not stand the test. And he was right; he hardly realized how right at first.

His apparent light-heartedness, his intellectual versatility, even his physical agility, as he bounded over the rocks and leapt the streams in their wanderings through the forest, irritated Baring. Limited to a trial of strength, whether of brains or of muscle, the American did not misdoubt his own powers; but neither with tongue nor with limb was he nimble. The fire within was kindled, indeed, but he spake not. He had never shown to greater disadvantage than he did during those four days

He was annoyed for feeling—what he indubitably did feel—jealous of this Englishman. What business was it of his if Miss Shaw chose to flirt with Mr. George?—for thus he designated the lively interchange of talk between the two. What could it signify to him, Alaric Baring, blessed with an income of a thousand dollars over and above what he might earn with his brush, if the girl chose to encourage the attentions of a man whom he now regarded with mistrust? If he loved her ever so, Alaric could never marry her himself; and he tried hard to persuade himself that he had no desire