formal reserve, and mounting her
horse, proceeded to engage in her usual exercise. I was not hurt; I
recognized the presence of some thought or feeling which made a barrier
around her sensitive nature, and duly respected it. Mounting my own
horse, I rode around the ring which is the somewhat limited field of my
present equestrian efforts, and waited. For I knew from the looks which
she cast me every now and then, that the flower of our friendship was
outgrowing its sheath and would soon burst into the bud of perfect
understanding. At the end of the lesson we approached each other. I do
not know how it was done, but we walked home together, or rather I
accompanied her to the stoop of her house, and before we parted we had
exchanged those words which give emphasis to a sentiment long cherished
but now for the first time avowed. Miss Stuyvesant and I are friends,
and I feel as though a new stream of enjoyment had opened in my breast.

"The fact that I still call her by this formal title instead of her very
pretty name of Cicely, proves the nature of the respect she inspires
even in the breasts of her girlish associates."

"Why is it that I frequently hesitate as I go up the stairs and look
about me with a vague feeling of apprehension? The bronze figure of
Luxury that adorns the landing, wears no semblance of terror to the
wildest imagination, and yet I often find myself seized by an
inexplicable shudder as I hurry past it; and once I actually looked
behind me with the same sensation as if some one had plucked me by the
sleeve.

"It is a folly; for recording which, I make my excuses."

* * * * *

"Cousin Ona has decided that I must never wear colors. 'Soft grays, my
dear, dead blacks and opaque whites are all that you need to bring out
the fine contrast of your hair and complexion; the least hint of blue or
pink would destroy it.' So she says and so I must believe, for who else
has made such a study of the all important subject of dress. Behold me,
then, arrayed for my first reception in a colorless robe of rich silk to
which Ona after long consideration allowed me to add some ornaments of
plain gold with which Mr. Sylvester has kindly presented me. But I think
more of the people I am going to meet than of anything else, though I
enjoy the home-feeling which a pretty dress gives me, as well as a
violet does its bright blue coat."

* * * * *

"I have hear