whom my nurse was so fond of telling, in the vain hope of putting me to sleep; as if I did not keep myself awake as long as I could, to hear;—if such a one were to appear, I wonder what gift we shoud each choose?"
"I should so like to know," replied Lady Marchmont; "now let us be honest, and frankly confess the inmost desire of our hearts. I will set the example; for, as I am going to court, I may not need to speak truth for some time, and may therefore use up what I have now. I frankly confess that my wish would be for universal admiration."
Walter Maynard paused for a moment, looking at Ethel; it was but a glance, and a deeper melancholy came over his face.
"I would wish," said he, "for fame—glorious and enduring fame."
"And I," cried Alice, eagerly, "would wish to be a lady—have an embroidered damask gown, and ride in a coach-and-six."
"I would wish," whispered Ethel, "to be loved."
"And," added Norbourne, in a whisper almost as low, "I would wish to love."
