"Besides," said Faith, coming to her friend's assistance, "the story
was intended for the benefit of Indian girls, and not for those who
read Shakspeare."

"I suspect," said Bernard, "that the writer was better acquainted with
the Shakspearean ladies, than with Indian girls."

"Why do you think so?" asked Faith.

"Do you not observe," answered Bernard, "that he confines himself to
generalities? Not a word does he venture to say about the toilette of
the beauty. A description of the dress of the heroine, has always been
considered indispensable in every tale."

"Poh, William!" said Anne, "what a savage critic you are. But,
probably, there was so little to describe, the author did not think it
worth his while."

"And," said Pownal, "is anything admissible in a picture which
distracts the attention and withdraws it from the principal figure?
Good taste excludes ear-rings and gold chains from portraits."

"Well," said Bernard, "I dare say you are right. It may be, too, that
the dress was indescribable."

"Who is this Manabozho, who comes in so opportunely, yet, without
effecting much after all?" inquired Anne. "I am charmed with his
appearance; particularly, his big eyes."