“Oh, well,” concluded Mrs. Vosburgh, with a shrug, “there is no use in borrowing trouble.  When it comes to acting, instead of dreaming and speculating on vast, misty questions, I can always talk your father into good sense.  That is the best thing about him,—­he is well-balanced, in spite of his tendency to theories.  When I show him that a thing is quixotic he laughs, shrugs his shoulders, and good-naturedly goes on in the even tenor of his way.  It was the luckiest thing in the world for him when he married me, for I soon learned his weak points, and have ever guarded him against them.  As a result he has had a quiet, prosperous career.  If he wishes to serve the government in some civilian capacity, and is well paid for it, why shouldn’t he?  But I would never hear of his going to the front, fighting, and marching in Virginia mud and swamps.  If he ever breathes such a thought to you, I hope you will aid me in showing him how cruel and preposterous it is.”

Marian sighed, as she thought:  “I now begin to see how well papa understands mamma, but has she any gauge by which to measure him?  I fear he has found his home lonely, in spite of good dinners.”

“Come, my dear,” resumed Mrs. Vosburgh, “we are lingering too long.  Some of your friends may be calling soon, although I said I did not know whether you would be at home to-night or not.  Mr. Lanniere will be very likely to come, for I am satisfied that he has serious intentions.  What’s more, you might do worse,—­a great deal worse.”

“Three times you have said that, mamma, and I don’t like it,” said Marian, a little indignantly.  “Of course I might do worse; I might kill him, and I should be tempted to if I married him.  You know that I do not care for him, and he knows it, too.  Indeed, I scarcely respect him.  You don’t realize what you are saying, for you would not have me act from purely mercenary motives?”

“Oh, certainly not; but Mr. Lanniere is not a monster or a decrepit centenarian.  He is still in his prime, and is a very agreeable and accomplished man of the world.  He is well-connected, moves in the best society, and could give his wife everything.”

“He couldn’t give me happiness, and he would spoil my life.”

“Oh well, if you feel so, there is nothing more to be said.  I can tell you, though, that multitudes of girls would be glad of your chance; but, like so many young people, you have romantic ideas, and do not appreciate the fact that happiness results chiefly from the conditions of our lot, and that we soon learn to have plenty of affection for those who make them all we could desire;” and she touched a bell for the waitress, who had been temporarily dismissed.

The girl came in with a faint smile on her face.  “Has she been listening?” thought Marian.  “That creature, then, with her vain, pretty, yet vulgar face, is the type of what I was.  She has been lighting the drawing-room for me to do what she proposes to do later in the evening.  She looks just the same.  Mamma is just the same.  Callers will come just the same.  How unchanged all is, as papa said it would be!  I fear much may be unchangeable.”