"He once called her his basil plant; and when she asked for an explan- A BASIL PLANT. CHAPTER I. “And all in vain you strive against the stream.” SHAKESPEARE. BUT Max's knowledge of his folly did not serve to cure him of it. It had struck its roots too deeply for that, though the sense that at present it would be hopeless to attempt to win Evelyn, served to check his words. He very seldom saw her ; seemed, even to himself, to shrink from her presence and, perhaps, the instinct which led him to do so was wise. VOL. IL 17 |