This reply provoked me very much; and I answered energetically:  “You do not love me!—­you do not know how to love I When did you ever make any sacrifices for me?” I continued in an excited manner, “When did I ever hear you singing beneath my window in a tone meant for no ear but mine?  When did you ever rush with me out of a burning house, or encounter any danger for my sake?  When did you ever watch for a glimpse of my taper at midnight when all others were asleep?”

During the progress of this singular speech, Charles Tracy’s countenance had gradually changed from the surprised to the amused; and when I had concluded he laughed—­yes, he actually laughed!  What a damper of sentiment!

“Laugh on,” said I, in a dignified manner, as I turned my steps homeward, “that has now put an end to all.”

He was but a boy—­I, a woman, for should I not be fifteen to-morrow? and I walked away from him in contempt; while he quietly jumped into the boat and rowed across the lake, whistling a tune.  But I had not proceeded far before a loud “ha! ha!” from my brother Fred sounded close at my side; he had been an unobserved listener to the whole conversation, now enjoyed the pleasure of teasing me all the way home.

“That’s right, Amy!” said he, “Keep up your dignity, child.  What a rich scene! ’When did you ever watch for a glimpse of my taper at midnight when all others were asleep?’ Rather a hopeless watch, I’m thinking, as you sleep in the middle room between mother’s and the nursery; and between you and I, Amy, you know that you don’t burn a taper, but a brass lamp; but that, of course, isn’t quite so poetical to tell of.  Such an air, too!—­what a rare tragic actress you’d make!  Do say it over, won’t you?  I have almost forgotten the beginning.”

I gave Fred a boxed ear, which must have stung for sometime afterwards; and running hastily into the house, locked myself up in my own room till tea-time.  The next day was my birthday; and while my table was strewn with acceptable gifts from all the others, I perceived among them a very antiquated-looking cap and pair of spectacles, to the latter of which was attached a slip of paper, on which was written:  “To improve the impaired sight of my dear sister Amy, produced by her declining years; also a cap to conceal the gray hairs of age, and ’Young’s Night Thoughts’ for the edification of her mind.”

I was almost ready to cry from mortification; but I remembered that I was now fifteen, and took the articles down stairs for the purpose of exposing Master Fred, but what did I get for my pains?  In justification he told the story of yesterday, in his own peculiarly humorous way; and when I saw myself thus reflected, the ridiculous tendency of my words and manner struck me forcibly, and I was almost ready to laugh.  But the others did that abundantly for me, while wondering where I had picked up such notions; and Grandmother Chesbury, I verily believe, suspected that I had been at her novels, for after that I never could find one.