Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/167

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
165

Lavinia,' of whom I predict great things, would turn every body's head as the coquette."

"The more like real life," replied Curl. "I always observe people's heads are turned, as they call it, by something that approaches as nearly to nothing as possible; but I have two other visits to pay, and must wish you good evening."

"Good evening," said Walter; and, bowing to his visitor, rose to open the door.

Curl hesitated on the threshold; then, suddenly turning round, he approached the table. "Mr. Maynard," said he, in a tone of voice very different to his usual hard and abrupt manner, "I do not see why I should keep to my principles any more than others. It is a weakness to like any body; but I like you—you are of a different order to those with whom I generally come in contact. You are going all wrong; you are pale and feverish; mind and body cannot stand the hard exercise to which you put them both: don't kill yourself: you'll like life better the longer you live. There's