"If my mother you could see in it! She is beautiful. And we have a

picture of my grandmother in the true Zealand dress. Like a princess she

looks, my father says; but, indeed, I have never seen a princess."

"My dear, you must allow me to laugh a little. Will you believe it,

princesses are sometimes very vulgar creatures? I am sure, however, that

your grandmother was very genteel and agreeable. I must tell you that I

have just received my new scarf from London. You shall see it, and give

me your opinion."

"O madam, you are very kind! What is it like?"

"It is all extravagance in mode and fancy. I believe, my dear, there are

two hundred yards of edging on it; and it has the most enchanting slope

to the shoulders. I am wonderfully pleased with it, and hope it will

prove becoming."

"Indeed, I think all your suits are becoming."

"Faith, child, I think they are. I have always dressed with the most

perfect intelligence. I follow all the fashions, and they must be

French. La, here comes Richard. He is going to ask you to take a sail on

the river; and I shall lend you my new green parasol. I do believe it is

the only one in the country."

"I came to sit with you, and work with my worsteds. Perhaps my

mother--might not like me to go on the river with--any one."

"Pray, child, don't be affected. 'My mother--might not like me to go on

the river with--any one;'" and she mimicked Katherine so cleverly that

the girl's face burned with shame and annoyance.

But she had no time to defend herself; for, with his cavalry cap in his

hand, and a low bow, Captain Hyde entered the room; and Katharine's

heart throbbed in her cheeks, and she trembled, and yet withal dimpled

into smiles, like clear water in the sunshine. A few minutes afterward

she was going down the terrace steps with him; and he was looking into

her face with shining eyes, and whispering the commonest words in such

an enchanting manner that it seemed to her as if her feet scarcely

touched the low, white steps, and she was some sort of glorified

Katherine Van Heemskirk, who never, never, never could be unhappy again.

They did not go on the river. Captain Hyde hated exertion. His splendid

uniform was too tight to row in. He did not want a third party near, in

any capacity. The lower steps were shaded by great water beeches, and

the turf under them was green and warm. There was the scent of lilies

around, the song of birds above, the ripple of water among pebbles at

their feet. A sweeter hour, a lovelier maid, man could never hope to

find; and Captain Hyde was not one to neglect his opportunity.




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