A Beginner

says--"it will not be for the first time--but I thought--I dare say I was mistaken--that I had an idea that was rather new upon the way of treating the passions in fiction--I mean," a slight streak of importance piercing through the shyness of her voice, "their interaction upon each other."

"Good Lord!" after a slight pause; "and may I ask which of the passions you have made interact? The passions in a woman's mouth generally mean one! Is it the usual one?"

"If I answer"--in a tone where mortification and compressed laughter strive for the upper hand--"you will probably say 'Good Lord!' again."

"I probably shall! The interaction of the passions! Good----" She breaks off mid-way in the obnoxious ejaculation. "Where did you get hold of such a phrase, and who has been giving you lessons in the subject?"

"In what subject?"

"The interaction of the----"

"Oh, do not repeat it in that staring voice!" cries Emma, bursting into vexed mirth; "you could make the first ten lines