ed that he anticipated
no refusal or coy hesitancy. His wooing had been of an impetuous
whirlwind kind, and he was affianced to her within a month of their
acquaintance.

It was this fact which had caused the most comment. Mr. Mitchel moved in
good society, but he was a newcomer, and now that he had captured the
prize of the matrimonial market, all where asking "Who is he?" a
question which none seemed able to answer. He was a Southerner and that
single fact had shed about him a halo of attractive light which had
blinded the eyes of those who feebly attempted to look deeper.

Mrs. Remsen had protested when Emily announced her engagement, but Emily
had replied, "Mother, I have given my word," and the discussion was
ended. A few moments later she had affectionately seated herself at her
mother's feet, and after tenderly kissing her, whispered "I love him. He
is my king," and then buried her head in her parent's lap. Few women
argue against an appeal of that nature. Thus Emily and Mr. Mitchel
became engaged, after which he came and went much as though he were the
master of the house. Why not, since he had become the master of its
mistress?

Dora was her sister's antithesis, save that both were brunettes. She was
simply a lovable, docile, impressionable, pretty girl. She adored her
mother, and worshipped her sister whom she called "The Queen." Dora was
only seventeen. There had been three boys born between the sisters, but
they had died in infancy.

The two girls were in the sumptuous parlor of their apartment, Emily
lying on the soft lounge, whilst Dora sat near her in a cosy armchair
which made her look almost a little girl.

"Queen, did you enjoy the opera last night?" asked Dora.

"Oh! yes," replied Emily, "But you know, my dear, comic opera--is comic
opera, and all is said."

"It's all very fine for you to talk in that patronizing way, Queen,
about amusement, but it is different with me. I have not outgrown the
theatre yet. I'll tell you what I have been thinking of seriously--"

"Seriously," laughed Emily, pinching her pretty sister's cheek. "Why you
sly little rogue, you couldn't be serious if you tried."

"Oh! couldn't I! But listen. I am going to ask Bob----"

"Bob?"

"Mr. Mitchel, you know. I told him last night that I mean to call him
Bob after this, and he kissed me and said it was a bargain."

"Kissed you, did he? Well Miss Impudence, I like that."

"So did I. But you need not scold, because you