Bath Tangle

I liked that young man, did not you? There was something particularly pleasing about his manners, which I thought very easy and frank. He has an air of honest manliness, too, which, in these days of fribbles and counter-coxcombs, I own I find refreshing!

Are you well? You look a trifle peaked.' 'If I do, it is because black doesn't become me. I mean to lighten my mourning, and have ordered a charming gray gown.' 'You are mistaken.' 'What, in going into half-mourning?' 'No, in thinking black does not become you.

My goddess! My queen!' 'Oh, no, no, no!' He raised his head, smiling a little crookedly down at her. 'Do you dislike to hear yourself called so? There is nothing I would not do to please you, but you cannot help but be my goddess! You have been so these seven years!' 'Only a goddess could dislike it! You see by that how wretchedly short of the mark I fall. I have a little honesty - enough to tell you *now* that you must not worship me.' He only laughed, and kissed her again. She protested no more, too much a woman not to be deeply moved by such idolatry, and awed by the constancy which, though it might have been to a false image, could not be doubted.

I wish to God I might induce her to mind me!' he ejaculated.

Lady Theresa prophesied disaster for all concerned, and hoped that when Serena was dying an old maid she would remember these words, and be sorry. Meanwhile she remained her affectionate aunt.