On the Church Steps

seemed quite annoyed at the little dog's uncalled-for snapping and barking, and shook her umbrella at him in vain. I was obliged to take him i

Such a butler! He looks like a member of Parliament. We stayed there once before for three days. I am just going to settle into an English girl. Had enough

at we too would be there in London lodgings? Perhaps, th

Saturday; leave here on Monday morning train; take, yes, Wednesday's steamer. I could arrange it with my law-partn

Fanny Meyrick rallied me on my preoccupation and silence: "He didn't use to be so, Bessi

of a certain fête at Blankkill on the Hudson, the occasion of our first acquaintance: "He was so young, Bessie, you can't imagine

my most sweeping bow. "What have I do

to Meyrick Place than you do now. Well, I won't scold yo

have such compensation in English society that her American ad

hough some dawning suspicion had come to her. "I hope," she said quietly, "t

the under-meaning of her words, my mind

uddenly, "do you remember what

think

tipped with gold, she handed it to Bessie, who ran

composedly in her shawl, and leaning b

life. I shall love him for ever and ever. We were out in a boat, we two, on the Hudson-moonlight-I was rowing. D

sie closed the book a

ling-that! It was no question of saving lives.

to steer away from it

us up, any how. There was nothi

ate! I could scarcely move for my dripping skirts; and we frighten

ek, I put out my hand for the book: "Let me write something down to-day;" and I hastily scribbled: "September 28. Charl

hispered as I hande

s she spoke and crumpling it in her hand.-"Sorry to spoil your book, Fa

ve left us, but Bessie clung to her and whispered something in

she said, indicating that worthy, who s

said Bessie coldly.

remembered how Fanny had clung to me, how after we had reached the shore I had been forced to remind her that it was no time for sentimental gr

the dismal ending of that moonlight boat-row-I had been already disenchanted for some time before-I had scarce called at Meyrick Place more than civility required. The young lady was so inclined to ex

d my congé for the walk home, I knew, and I was vexed

to-morrow no end of work, as well as sarcastic remarks from D. & Co. If she chooses to show off her affection for Fanny Meyrick

truck five I bethought me it was time to betake me to the Sloman cottage. A sound of wheels and a carriage turning brought me to the window.

e! Serves me ri

th Mrs. Sloman by the tea-table. Why do I always r

are very la

to be uneasy. It was ne

e, has tempted them, or they may

at my watch: I

eels: the pha

ou bad boy! you'll miss your train again. Fanny

full on her face I looked

hoping that she would go to the house for

out to me in her gloved hand. I pressed the hand to my lips, riding-glove and all, a

at the gate. "Don't forget, Fanny,

"I will not go to Europe, and I forbid you to mention it again. I shall never, never forg

across the envelope these words were written in pencil: "Go to Europe