waste much time on
the sentimentalities of such a meeting; she soon dashed into the
common-sense question of what were their plans in London? and when they
would come and dine with herself and "James" "Quite friendly. We will
ask no one, except of course Major Harper."

"He is out of town," said Nathanael.

"What a pity--Yet, no wonder; London is so terribly hot now. Is he quite
well?"

"I believe so," Agatha answered for her husband, who had moved off.

"Because James has met him frequently of late, rushing about the City as
pale as a ghost, and looking so miserable. We were afraid something was
wrong with him."

"Oh, I hope not," exclaimed Agatha, eagerly.

"My brother is quite well," Mr. Harper again observed, from his outpost
by the window; and something in his tone unconsciously checked and
changed the conversation.

Whether by Agatha's real inclination, or by some unnoticed influence of
Nathanael's, who, gentle as his manners were, through a score of
other opposing wills seemed always silently to attain his own, Mrs.
Thornycroft's hospitable schemes were overruled. At least, the
_venue_ was changed from Regent's Park to the Harpers' own temporary
home--where, as if by magic, a multitude of small luxuries had already
gathered round the young wife. She took all quite naturally, never
pausing to think how they came.

It was with a trepidation which had yet its pleasure, that she arrayed
herself for this, the first time of her taking her place at the head of
her husband's table. She put on a high white gown, which Mr. Harper had
once said he liked--she was beginning to be anxious over her dress and
appearance now. Glancing into the mirror, there recurred to her mind
a speech she had once heard from some foolish matron--"Oh, it does not
signify what I wear, or how I look--I'm married!" Agatha thought what a
very wrong doctrine that was! and laughed at herself for never having
much cared to seem pleasing until she had some one to please. Nay, now
for the first time she grumbled at the Pawnee-face, wishing it had been
fairer!

But fair or not, when it came timidly and shone over Nathanael's
shoulder, he sitting leaning thoughtfully on his hand, the result was
such as materially to relieve any womanly doubts about her personal
appearance. He kissed her in unwonted smiling tenderness.

"I like that dress; and your curls--softly touching them--your curls
fall so prettily. How well you look, Agatha! Happy, too!