effusion, and had the satisfaction of seeing the mischief in her eyes
increase in proportion to his seriousness, and heard her say with
affected concern: "Bear up, co'nnle! Don't let it worry yo' till the
time comes," and took his leave.

On the following Sunday he was present at the Redlands Episcopal Church,
and after the service stood with outward composure but some inward
chafing among the gallant youth who, after the local fashion, had ranged
themselves outside the doors of the building. He was somewhat surprised
to find Mr. Champney, evidently as much out of place as himself, but
less self-contained, waiting in the crowd of expectant cavaliers.
Although convinced that the young Englishman had come only to see Miss
Sally, he was glad to share his awkward isolation with another stranger,
and greeted him pleasantly. The Dows' pew, being nearer to the entrance
than the Reeds', gave up its occupants first. Colonel Courtland lifted
his hat to Miss Miranda and her niece at the same moment that Champney
moved forward and ranged himself beside them. Miss Sally, catching
Courtland's eye, showed the whites of her own in a backward glance of
mischievous significance to indicate the following Reeds. When they
approached, Courtland joined them, and finding himself beside Miss
Octavia entered into conversation. Apparently the suppressed passion
and sardonic melancholy of that dark-eyed young lady spurred him to a
lighter, gayer humor even in proportion as Miss Sally's good-natured
levity and sunny practicality always made him serious. They presently
fell to the rear with other couples, and were soon quite alone.

A little haughty, but tall and erect in her well-preserved black
grenadine dress, which gave her the appearance of a youthful but
implacable widow, Miss Reed declared she had not seen the co'nnle for
"a coon's age," and certainly had not expected to have the honor of his