Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-08-07

a mountain breeze, but you will find no
evil In her."
Merton Costello had not oyerrated his
niece's attractions. Her beauty was not
only unusual In degree, but Of an unique
type) showing the rare combination OF
fair, though not very fair, complexion,
dark eyes and brows, and hair OF dusky
gold-real golden hair-clustering all
over her small head, In masses OF short
curls, and straying over her broad white
forehead. There was II world Of passion
and strong feeling slumbering in the large
brilliant eyes, which were almost black
eyes that could weep or laugh, look
thoughtful or dance with widest fun; and
how expressive were the sweet tender
lips closing lightly but firmly over the
white teeth!
Miss Durnford half sighed ms she drew
the girl to her and kissed her tenderiy.-
There was one in this place, she thought,
who might find la belle Canadienne too
lovely for his peace of mind.
"Do you know, DEAR" said Miss Durn-
ford, a. she led the way TO the dining-room
"you look SO fragile and delicate that the
people here will say you are fairy and
have no tangible existence: and | don't
KNOW WHIT you VIII lHluh VI tutlI IOsy
cheeks and robust figures"
"Are they all rosy -checked!" asked IL
ma. "Are my cousins sabine:"
eve don't call them very rosy here"
replied Miss Dunford, smiling; "but
they will look like peonies beside your pale
checks. You are surely made Of alabas-
terv'
"Am Il" said lima, shaking her head.
"But am really strong, auntie; only lat
terly Canada seemed TO cold for me-"
They sat down TO that comfortable coun-
try meal, "ligh tea," and for some time
lima was answering her aunps inquiries
about her journey over. from which IL APP
peared that Miss Costello was thorough
citizen Of the world, and knew we'll how
TO care for herself. The independence OF
this golden-haired damsel Of sixteen was
anew experience to old-fashioned coun-
try-bred Miss Durnford, who, strangely
enough, saw no danger in young girls
rowing among the country hills and lanes
by herself, but great deal in travelling
from London TO FORK alone. Then lima
turned questioner, and asked about her
cousins Sabine.
.You shall see them all this evening""
said Miss Durnford. 81 promised 10 take
you over. Mrs. Sabine is an invalid. She
is very kind and gentle; you will be very
sure to like her. Then there is Roland;
he is twenty-five, clever young fellow
He is very fond Of hunting and fishing and
all sports.
"shall | like him!" asked lima.
Gle is generally liked. l must leave
you to form your own opinion, my DEAR"
said Miss Durnford, suddenly growing re-
served. Next comes Rose" she contin-
ha ia tue nr ~ wy
and jamie eighteen. They will be nice
companions for you.'
81 hope shall like them,' observed IL
ma, as they rose from the table.
al hope so too, dear. Now put on your
hat and we will go TO the Larches; ii is
not three minutes walk from here
lima fastened for her hat, remarking
as she returned that it was $50 nice to go
out without gloves"
Miss Durnford smiled.
"The people here" she said, evil stare
you out of countenance. Your arrival
has been quite an event, and your dress
they will think foreign, but l suppose it
is the fashion"
eyes, "returned lima, opening her large
brown eyes, ~ always had my dresses
from Paris. DO look odd;"
'sOdd, my child! You look charming.
see you don't know much about country
places"
"No, have never lived in the country.
think | should like it for II time"
Aunt and nj zee sailed forth, and cer-
tainly Miss Costello was stared at as If
she had been yisitant from another
sphere; while remarks upon her appear
ance and attire were made with delight
ful frankness in dialect however which
efiectually concealed theirpurport from the
Canadian. But there was only Il limited
opportunity for an inspection Of 'the for
eigner," for the gates of the Larches were
soon reached, and shut out village curios-
ity.