Gratia's Trials — page 193: what you’re looking at

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184 GRATIA’S TRIALS. ‘ know the Americans are so different from us; and she has some delicate, dainty ways that would-do no discredit to a duchess. ” Meanwhile, Gratia’s life-stream seemed to roll along over golden sands and through green shores. And so the days lengthened into weeks, and the weeks into months. ‘*VYou must make me more than ordinarily fascinating to- night, Gratia,” said Alicia Melworth, entering her dressing- room one evening in October. ‘‘Weare to havea gay party from London to dinner—some of Algernon’s friends.” ‘‘Ts your brother coming too?” Gratia asked, She had seen Major Melworth once or twice—--a tall, dark, handsome man, as unlike his sprite-like little sister as it is possible for two human creatures to be. ‘‘Yes; and oh, by the way, that American gentleman is coming too. Don’t you remember I told you about him.” ‘‘Do you mean Colonel Falkland?” Gratia asked, with innocent hypocrisy. ‘* Falconer,’ Alicia enunciated, with great distictness. ‘‘I like him immensely, even if he weren’t Algernon’s especial friend. He is so handsome and agreeable; I must contrive some way for you to see him.” ““You must not—indeed, indeed, you must not!” ex- claimed Gratia, clasping her hands nervously, and letting fall the long golden braid she-had just uncoiled from Miss Mel- }?? worth’s head. ‘‘I—I have a horror of strangers--I have no ~ curiosity to see him. Please, Miss Melworth, don’t.” ‘“¥You dear little retiring thing!” said Alicia, laughing heartily. ‘‘Of course I won't, if you don’t wish it. But I know you would think him a perfect Apollo.” Gratia did not answer, but kept on unbraiding the yellow : strands with trembling haste, ‘‘ You are nervous to-night,” said Alicia. ‘‘ There’s enough of what the mesmerists call rappor/e between you and me for me to feel it in the touch of your cold little fingers, ” Eomicbooks:7co Pm / »., eT