Lois' Strategy.

different . She loved Gray Avith all her heart , aud Avas Avilling to sacrifice even the promised Avealth of her uncle for him . But if she could marry him and still retain hor guardian ' s favour , she could assist Louis very much ; and she determined to Avin hor uncle ' s approbation .

She sat for a long time , as if lost in thought , and then sprang to her feet with a joyful exclamation : " I have it ! I have it !" Then she Avent to sloop . The next morning Lois mot Mr Louis

Gray and told him of her uncle ' s opposition to him— -of Mr . James Talbot—and then of hor scheme by which she hoped to overrule Mr . Allison ' s objections . AVhen she got home Avhom should she find there but her elderly admirer . NOAV Mr . Talbot

had seen Lois bat a few times , and then it Avas in company . He had taken a fancy to hor on sight , however , and having heard so much of her from her uncle a « Avell as others , ho had resolved to many her . Lois retired to hor room , decked herself in a hideous yolloAV dress , Avith flamingred boAvs at her throat and in her hair , and

descended tho stairs something like the manner in Avhich an elephant Avould have accomplished the feat . She burst open the parlour door , and banged it behind her . "AVhy , Lois— " began Uncle Tom , and then stopped . Mr . Talbot greeted her with

somethinglike a i ' roAA'n on his face . Lois talked incessantly . Mr . Talbot said to himself : " She won't suit me . " Directly dinner AV ; IS announced . Mr . Talbot said lie always judged people by their Avay of eating , and he considered

himself a man of taste . He noticed that Lois ate like a glutton , and made an excuse for conversing at the same time . Uncle Tom Avas so shocked at seeing his Avell-behaved niece acting so terribly , that he sat staring helplessly first at Lois and

then at Talbot . " A piece of the beef , uncle , some more of the potatoes , and a bit of chicken . Oh , I Avish I had some cabbage , " said Lois , sending back her plate for the fourth time . Unolo Tom made a violent contortion of

his left cheek and eye , but Lois Avould not see . Having finished dinner they returned to the library , and Lnis excused herself .

" I really can't imagine Avhat ' s the matter Avith Lois , " said Uncle Tom , by way of apology . Mr . Talbot made some sort of a repl y , and then they talked on other subjects . Talbot soon after took leave , soliloquizing something after this fashion as he strode

down the path in a tremendous hurry . " Ugh ! she eats and talks like a rustic . AVhy , she actually ate five rolls and began on the sixth , and goodness knows how much besides ! From Avhat I heard I supposed her to bo a modest and retiring

young lady ; on the contrary , I find her to be as ignorant as a —[ don't know Avhat !" And he mentally resolved never to call again . Uncle Tom summoned Lois to his presence . She came , looked sweet and lovely .

" Lois , " said he severely , " I am ashamed of you ! Here I have brought one of my very best friends to see you , and you acted like a country girl . 1 AVOUM not have cared so much had it been any one else ; it Avas easy to see that Talbot Avas disgusted

with your behaviour . Aud UOAV you have lost all chance of ever Avinning him ! " " I Avasn't a \ vare that I had behaved in such an outrageous manner as you describe , " said Lois , demurely . " I did all I could to make Mr . Talbot enjoy his visit . " " I should think you did ! " roared

Uncle Tom . " You chattered like a magpie . 1 never Avas so bored in all my life . " " I am really sorry that I unconsciously offended Mr . Talbot . I Avouldn't have done so for the Avorld , " replied Lois . This someAvhat molliiied the uncle's

wrath , although he was moody and sullen for two or three clays . "I am going to bring Talbot to dinner to-day , and I ivant you to try and act a little more like a lady , " said Uncle Tom some timo after the above conversation .

Accordingly , he came , and Lois rushed to him , caught both his hands , exclaiming : " Oh , I am so very glad to see you !" Mr . Talbot had not looked for any such denn nstration , and Avas quite surp rised . Ho , however , stammered his thanks , and as soon as possible , left .

Uncle Tom Avas appalled . He tlioug ln Lois must be insane , and greAv anxioiv about her . " AVhat ' s the matter , darling ? " he inquired ; " you must be ill , you behave o ° strangely . "