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198 find amusement here. I have found you, and that is better than nothing." "I was just thinking," replied Walter, "that I was worse than nothing." "Well, it is not every one," answered she, laughing, "who forms such a just estimate of themselves. I do not think that modesty is a virtue very often rewarded in this world; however, I shall take upon myself to reward it to-night by drinking tea with you." "And I will tell you an idea that has struck me," replied he, "as a good ground-work for a drama. I do not know how it is, but I need more encouragement than I used to do, to begin any thing new. Now, talking over a plan, is a sort of beginning; and, careless as you are, you have an intuitive judgment."

"Because," interrupted the actress, "I see things exactly as they are. I calculate my effects, but they do not deceive myself; you, on the contrary, live in a world of illusions, where every thing is called by such an