His Sombre Rivals

nce of one who might give a peculiar charm and piquancy to his May-day vacation, and enrich him with an experience that had been wholly wanting in his secluded and studious life. With a sm

and pretty woman might be able to make upon him. His very disposition toward experiment and analysis inclined him to experiment with himself. Thus it would seem that even the

formally introduced to Miss Grace St. John, with whom his f

silent because he knew not what to say. The young guest was entirely at her ease, and her familiarity with the hostess enabled her to chat freely and naturally on topics

erstood that he had shunned society altogether, and his position had ever entitled him to enter the best; but the young women whom it had been his fortune to meet had failed to interest him as completely as he had proved himself a bore to them. Their worlds were too widely separated for mutual sympathy; and after brief ex

t she was one who might be trusted absolutely. That she had tact and kindliness also was evidenced by the fact that she did not misunderstand or resent his comparative silence. At first, after learning that he had lived much abroad, her manner toward him had been a little shy and wary, indicating that she may have surmised that his reticence was the result of a certain kind of superiority which travelled men-especially young men-often assume when meeting those whose lives are supposed to have a narro

d to Miss St. John she had long ceased to have any misgivings, and the approval that she saw in Graham's eyes was expected as

officer, and has seen some odd phases of life at the var

ty of officers and their wives she had acquired the frank manner so peculiarly her own. But the characteristic which won Graham's interest most strongly was her abounding mirthfulness. It ran through all her words like a golden thread. The instinctive craving of every nature is for that which supplements itself, and Graham found something so genial in Miss St. John's ready s

lored woman in a flaming red turban appeared in the doorway and said, "Pardon, Mis' Mayburn; I'se a-hopin'

od at her hostess; "our game has been broken up, you know, Mrs. Mayburn, by the departure of Mrs. Weeks and her daughter. You have often played a good hand with us, and papa thought you would come over this evening, and that you, from your better acquaintance with our neigh

d, "by saying that I know just enough about the game to be aware how

ld punish papa also

t an indifferent game. If you will make amends by teachin

ilial duty, by giving me a chance to teach you. You are to be led meekly in as a trophy by w

ould place me

, and we shall keep you here until you are one of

uard over me some of the time I

whence in Graham's fancy the fair girl had had her origin. As they passed under the shadow he saw the dusky outline of a rustic seat leaning against the bole of the tree, and he wondered if he should ever induce his present guide through the darkened paths to

steps, pushed open the hall door, and cried through the open entrance to a cosey apartment, "No occasion for hostiliti

Mayburn it was tinged with the gallantry of a former generation. Some brief explanations followed, and then Major St. John turned upon Graham the dark eyes which his daughter had inherited, and which seemed all the more brilliant in contrast with his

ble you to-night, pap

t always does b

le cold. The evenings are still damp and chilly;" and she threw two or three bill

ted by the very genius of comfort. A secretary in the corner near a window was open, suggesting absent friends and the pleasure of writing to them amid such agreeable surroundings. Again Graha

, and he now turned and said, "I hope, my dear sir, that you may never carry around such a baro

our infirmity," Graham replied. "Men bearing such proofs of servi

"That was meant to be a fine stroke of diplomacy. Pa

his aunt in proficiency, and with Miss St. John for his partner he was on his mettle. He found her skilful indeed, quick, penetrating, and possessed of an e

apartment that had so taken his fancy, especially toward the large, well-filled bookcase and

igh of regret saw Mrs. Mayburn rise. Miss St. John touched a silver bell, and a moment later the same negress who had reminded her

lgence of a glance at y

be further rewarded by permission to borrow any of them while in town.

one can relish nothing but intellectual roast beef. I am enjoyi

line of cake and pastry;

id you m

y n

pty the plate. Still, I was under the impression that

ions. Of course retired army officers are naturally in a condition to import c

your father to ask me to make one of you

ng. Was it suggested by the flavor of th

tified if you will permit me to come. Here is a marked v

hesitated perceptibly,

e the name of being great owls, but for an old

be able to induce you to take a hand with us quite often. If you should ever bec

ked to share your game as a privilege. I can scarc

ep him in this amiable fram

our aid," said that lad

xt to impossible

s St. John, following them out on the piazza, for a thin scud was a

" remarked Mrs. Mayburn, who pri

it will spoil our fairy world of blossoms,

long, dismal, rainy on

and help enterta

you that time should often hang heavily on his hands, and

-tree boughs he had fully decided to w