aquiline nose beside him, and even thinking what a handsome high-bred
BROTHER she might have been to some one. When they had reached the
house, in compliance with the familiar custom, he sat down on one of
the lower steps of the veranda, while she, shaking out her skirt, took a
seat a step or two above him. This enabled him, after the languid local
fashion, to lean on his elbow and gaze up into the eyes of the young
lady, while she with equal languor looked down upon him. But in the
present instance Miss Reed leaned forward suddenly, and darting a sharp
quick glance into his very consciousness said:--

"And yo' mean to say, co'nnle, there's nothing between yo' and Sally
Dows?"

Courtland neither flushed, trembled, grew confused, nor prevaricated.

"We are good friends, I think," he replied quietly, without evasion or
hesitation.

Miss Reed looked at him thoughtfully, "I reckon that is so--and no more.
And that's why yo' 've been so lucky in everything," she said slowly.

"I don't think I quite understand," returned Courtland, smiling. "Is
this a paradox--or a consolation?"

"It's the TRUTH," said Miss Reed gravely. "Those who try to be anything
more to Sally Dows lose their luck."

"That is--are rejected by her. Is she really so relentless?" continued
Courtland gayly.