The Girl Behind The Mask

etly found her way into the garden. As she walked, intently looking upon the flowe

e passed into the adjoining park, "but the ot

he looked, her step grew firmer, her carriage prouder, and a smile broke over her face; the smile of one very pleased with the prospect of the success of some cherished hope. Suddenly her whole air changed, she pushed back her hat, clasped her hands loosely before her, and seemed absorbed in girlish admiration of the fair scene that will not fail to charm any beauty-loving eye. The cause of th

of, "I beg your pardon for disturbing you, young lady. Allow me to atone for it by inviting you to wa

I who should ask pardon for trespassing. I never should have dared if I had not known that Sir Brandon was ab

isfied?" he aske

utiful spot I ever saw, and I've seen many famous spots,

ld its master be if he heard you," bega

not as freely as I have to you, sir," sai

her companion, lo

ny beautiful and noble things about him, and respect him so highly, th

g lady? Finish,

say it, for he is an old man, and one

known girl, and felt redoubled curiosity to learn who she was. Too polite to ask, or to embarrass her by declaring openly what she seemed unconscious of, he left both discoveries to chance; and when she turned, as if to retrace her steps, he off

pped her eyes, and, coloring deeply, stammered out, "I did

y, "Why call me Sir Brandon? How do you kno

elf would say that any praise was undeserved," murmur

come we will be properly introduced. Emily always brings

curtsy. A slight change passed over Sir Brandon's manner. Few would have perceived it

ed bouquet, returned Sir Brandon's parting bow, and tripped away, leaving the o