Archie, suppressing an envious sigh; for, though he seldom complained, it was impossible to contrast his own and his cousin's prospects with perfect equanimity.
"'His worth shines forth the brightest who in hope
Always confides: the abject soul despairs,'"
observed Mac, quoting Euripides in a conversational tone, as he lay upon a divan reposing after a hard day's work.
"Thank you," said Archie, brightening a little; for a hopeful word from any source was very comfortable.
"That's your favorite Rip, isn't it? He was a wise old boy, but you could find advice as good as that nearer home," put in Steve, who just then felt equal to slapping Plato on the shoulder; so elated was he at being engaged "first of all the lot," as he gracefully expressed it.
"Don't halloo till you are out of the wood, Dandy: Mrs. Kit has jilted two men, and may a third; so you'd better not brag of your wisdom too soon; for she may make a fool of you yet," said Charlie, cynically, his views of life being very gloomy about this time.
"No, she won't, Steve, if you do your part honestly. There's the making of a good little woman in Kitty, and she has proved it by taking you instead of those other fellows. You are not a Solomon, but you're not spoilt yet; and she had the sense to see it," said Mac, encouragingly from his corner; for he and his brother
