of approval.

"I guess it's just about as 'cute a little romance as you can read for a
dollar, and just as English! Her mommar don't approve of him, 'cause
he's smart and worldly; and _his_ mommar don't approve of _her_, 'cause
she lives in a row, and don't mix with the tip-top set. She sits still
and mopes, and he sets to and kills the first thing that comes handy, to
distract his thoughts, and they're going to stick right there till the
door's closed, and the lamps give out. This is where _you_ step in,
Cornelia Briskett! You've got to waltz round and fix up this business
while you've a chance.--I guess I've been a bit too bracing. I'd better
begin to feel a bit scared about Elma's health. ... Seems to me she's
had a pretty bad shock and wants to settle right in, and not risk
another move for the next three or four days!" ...

The scarlet lips twisted whimsically, and a dimple dipped in the white
cheek. If there was one thing Cornelia loved above another, it was to
feel herself a kind of _Deus ex machina_, and she experienced a
malicious satisfaction in ranging herself on the side of the lovers, in
the battle between youth and age.

Presently a curve in the road brought the house into view, and the sight
of its mullioned windows and old grey stone gables brought with it a
sudden remembrance of her own dishevelled condition. The disengaged
hand darted up to her head to set the cap at the correct angle, and from
thence continued a patting, smoothing-out excursion, productive of
distinctly smartening results. Fortunately the long coat had sheltered
the dress from harm, so that on reaching the house she could shed it and
look "just so." As for Elma, it was a comfort to see her a little
"mussed," for in her conscientious adherence to order she sacrificed
much of the picturesque nature of her beauty.

The great oak door stood hospitably open. At the inner glass door an
old butler appeared, and was immediately despatched by the Squire to
find his mistress, and inform her that her son had brought home two
ladies who had experienced a carriage accident at the gates. Meantime
Geoffrey led the way into the drawing-room, and while Elma rested
thankfully against the cushions on her chair, Cornelia enjoyed her first
view of a room in a typical English country house. It fascinated her by
its very difference from the gorgeous apartments which took its place in
her own country. Space, daintiness, simplicity--these we