than her companions, her veil and the skirt of her robe were so arranged as to show less of her personal attractions than they generally displayed.  A first glance hardly did justice to a countenance which, if not signally pretty, and certainly marked by a beauty less striking than that of most of the others, was modest and pleasing; a figure slight and graceful, with hands and feet yet smaller than usual, even among a race the shape of whose limbs is, with few exceptions, admirable.  Very few had addressed her, or even looked at her; and a certain resigned mortification was visible in her countenance.

“You are sorry for that child?” I said to Eveena.

“Yes,” she answered.  “It must be distressing to feel herself the least attractive, the least noticed among her companions, and on such an occasion.  I cannot conceive how I could bear to form part of such a spectacle; but if I were in her place, I suppose I should be hurt and humbled at finding that nobody cared to look at me in the presence of others prettier and better dressed than myself.”

“Well,” I said, “of all the faces I see I like that the best.  I suppose I must not speak to her?”

“Why not?” said Eveena in surprise.  “You are not bound to purchase her, any more than we bought all we looked at to-day.”

“It did not occur to me,” I replied, “that I could be regarded as a possible suitor, nor do I think I could find courage to present myself to that young lady in a manner which must cause her to look upon me in that light.  Ask Eunane if she knows her.”

Here Eive and the others joined us and took their places on my right.  Eveena, leaving her seat for a moment, spoke apart with Eunane.

“Will you speak to her?” she said, returning.  “She is Eunane’s friend and correspondent, Velna; and I think they are really fond of each other.  It is a pity that if she is to undergo the mortification of remaining unchosen and going back to her tasks, at least till the next inspection, she will also be separated finally from the only person for whom she seems to have had anything like home affection.”

“Well, if I am to talk to her,” I replied, “you must be good enough to accompany me.  I do not feel that I could venture on such an enterprise by myself.”

Eveena’s eyes, even through her veil, expressed at once amusement and surprise; but as she rose to accompany me this expression faded and a look of graver interest replaced it.  Many turned to observe us as we crossed the short space that separated us from the isolated and neglected maiden.  I had seen, if I had not noticed, that in no case were the men, as they made the tour of the room or went up to any lady who might have attracted their special notice, accompanied by the women of their households.  A few of these, however, sat watching the scene, their mortification, curiosity, jealousy, or whatever feeling it might excite, being of course concealed by the veils