174 BRAGGADOCIO.

did refrain, however, and concealing her mer-
riment, said, with a very grave air:

‘ Brother, did you ever hear of such a word
as ponvperosity ?”

“Never; what does it mean ?”

“It was a favorite word with our old nurse,
Jones; when she wanted to express more than
the word pomposity can express, she said pom-
perosity.”

“You mean to insult me with your pomper-
osity, do you?” said George, fiercely, and
threatening to strike Ada.

She fled into the house, and escaped the
stroke.

George now watched the return of the visi-
tors to the island, his heart burning with envy
and malice.