The Washington critic., 1888-03-31

Glad Of the chance, she was very
agrceablC-all the while making q
mental study Of him in the character
of Edith's future husband.
"He isn't handsome exactly, but ]
believe like his looks better than u
he WERE" was her inward comment.
81 don't care particularly for beauty
in men. Then, too, he has q face you
can trust, if ] know anything about
pbysiognomies. Besides, he alks
very we'll"
at is odd we have never met" he
remarked in Che course OF the con-
versation; you are so intimate with
my Cousin Ediths."
Yes answered Jean; "it is q lit
tie strange. ] have heard so much
about YOU, that feel as if knew You
quite well. Edith wanted me to visit
her in November, III order to meet
you and your brother, but unfortu-
nately was prevented from going"
~ remember Edith's regrets when
| was in Boston then; now | can echo
them in all sincerity" said the young
man. And they continued to talk
about various subjects.
"What do you think of Edith's pet
cousin?" inquired May, as she bid her
friend good night. "You quite mo-
norolized him." she added.
81 think ! shall like him very
much" answered Jean, gravely;
that is, if he continues to improve
on acquaintance"
~ am very glad to hear it," wasthe
hearty response. II felt sure you
would" And, with II smiling good.
night, May turned away.
81 hope the favorable impression
will last" she said To herself.
The next three or four days passed
quickly and pleasantly in walking,
| driving and various other amuse-
ments. No one else in the party,
with the exception of the hostess, was
acquainted with Edith May. so Jean
thought il natural enough for Mr..
Collins to prefer her society. They
saw a good deal of each other.
One night, while Jean was prepar-
ing for bed, there was u knock at the
door.
"Who is there ?" she asked.
at is May was the reply.
"Comc in" answered Jean, with
out rising from her chair.
Immediately the door opened, re-
vealing May in II most becoming
dressing-gown.
81 came to have little chat while
you take down your hair. Shall
disturb your
Not at all. ] don't feel a bit
sleepy, and shall be glad to talk-or,
rather, listen to you, for you won't
give me chance, of course" ans
wered Jean, smiling mischievously,
as she began to unwind the thick coils
of her hair.
"Oh, let me take Rosalie's place"
cried the other, eagerly; and, while
Jean submitted willingly TO the ope'
ration, May chatted gaily.
"Well, your acquaintance with Mr.
Collins seems to be progressing swim
mingly," she remarked, presently
"Do you like him as well as ever?'
Indeed, | do" was the ready re
sponse. "You know ] can always &c
on SO much better with man whel
there is no danger of his falling il
love with me. We are almost like ole
friends"
Pm charmed, and so will Editl
be. By the by, have you answered
her last letter."
''No, but | must, and tell her how
much | like Mr.. Collins" replied Jean
DO. ] know she will be delighted
She owes me n letter, so you can re
mind her of that" said May, rising
togo.
The days seemed to fly past. In
the morning they took long walks
watching the buds swelling and the
leaves starting, in the woods sur
rounding the Gillingham place. A
carpet of green moss was under foot
sprinkled thick with young arbutu'
and the earliest wild flowers. These
rambles were delightful to Jean, who
was real lover of nature. Generally
she and Mr.. Collins strayed II littl,
apart, investigating the woodland sc
crets, in which they took n greater
interest than the rest. In the after.
pied them. The evenings wer,
usually spent indoors, in dancing o
some such amusement, shared by TIN
young people for several miles around
Miss Athol was very fond of horse
back-riding, and with those Of th
party who shared her tastes, took lonj
rides. Mr.. Collins always joined il
these expeditions, and, being an eX
ceptionally good horseman. was tn
only one that could keep up with Jea1
in her spirited canters. She manage,
her restive mare perfectly, and in
faultlessly-ftting riding-habit, ap
peared to great advantage.
About week later the two girl
were sitting in Mays dressing-roon
before separating for the night.
There is one thing i don't lik
about Mr.. Collins remarked Jean
she doesn't seem enthusiastic enougl
about Edith to suit me. Now, yo
know / am delighted TO sing Edith
praises, for she is one of my deares
friends. You would think, KNOWN
our intimacy, he would speak of moth
ing else. don't mean that he doesn'
like to hear me talk about her, for h
does. He sits and listens eagerl
when / descant on her perfections
But, considering how confidential h
is on other subjects, he doesn't tai
about her as much as he might.
never think of il at the time, but
occurs to me afterward."
-"Perhaps he is shy suggeste
May, looking thoughtful.
HE may be, but l would neve
suppose So" laughed Jean.
''Or, possibly You don't give him
, chance" continued May, smiling mis-
chievously; that is very likely
"Your last explanation seems NOR
reasonable" was the amused reply
81 never thought of that" And tn
, friends parted for the night. {
The next day Jean sat down an
answered Edith's letter, telling her {
the fortunate chance that had brough
about the meeting she so much de
sired. -.
81 am quite as well pleased wit
Mr., Collins" she wrote, las even 20