r keen,
flashing eyes took in every detail of the girl's appearance. Needless to
say, the new inmate of the lawyer's household had been freely discussed
by the Pollokshields Fordyces, and it was in reality curiosity to see
her which had brought them to Bellairs Crescent that afternoon.

'I should just say it was a crowd,' added George, giving his immaculate
moustache a pull. 'I was sorry for Stuart, poor beggar. Really, though a
fellow marries, he should not be subjected to an ordeal like you. I
don't see anything to hinder a fellow's wife from receiving folks
herself. It's an awful bore on a fellow, you know.'

He spoke languidly, and all the time from under his drooping lids
surveyed the slender figure and fair face of Gladys. She was so
different from the brilliant and showy young ladies he met in the
society they moved in, that he was filled with a secret admiration.

'So the unfortunate young woman who marries you, George, may know what
to expect. Do you hear that, girls? Be warned in time,' cried Mina.
'Won't you take off your cloak, Julia, and stay a little? Mother and tea
will be here directly.'

'I daresay we have half an hour--have we, George? You are not going back
to the mill, are you?'

'Not I; my nose has been pretty much at the grindstone for the last
month. And now, girls, what's the best of your news? We're waiting to be
entertained. How do you like the West End of Glasgow, Miss Graham?'

'Very much, thank you,' answered Gladys, and somehow she could not help
speaking distantly. There was something about the young man she did not
like. Had she looked at Clara just then she would have seen her eyes
filled with a lovely, wavering light, while a half-trembling
consciousness was infused into her whole appearance. These signs to the
observant are not difficult to read. Clara loved her handsome cousin,
and unfortunately he was not blind to the fact.

'We are going to Troon first week in May, Julia,' she said quickly. 'Has
Aunt Margaret thought or spoken of your going yet?'

'She has spoken of it, but we haven't encouraged it,' replied Julia
languidly, as she drew off one of her perfectly-fitting gloves, and
displayed a long firm white hand, sparkling with diamonds. 'I know she
has written to the housekeeper to have Seaview aired, but I suppose it
depends on the weather.'

'If you are all going down, it wouldn't be half bad, Julia. We must see
what the mater says. Does Miss Graham go with you?'

'O