he had now
fallen back in her seat, and seemed disposed to commune with her own
thoughts: that did not suit my views, which were to have a view of her
face. Real politeness would have induced me to leave her to herself,
but pretended politeness was resorted to that I might gratify my
curiosity; so I inquired if she wished the window up. The answer was in
the negative, and in a very sweet voice; and then there was a pause, of
course so I tried again.

"`You are melancholy at parting with your handsome sister,' observed I,
leaning forward with as much appearance of interest as I could put into
my beautiful phiz.

"`How could you have presumed that she was my sister?' replied she.

"`From the _strong family_ likeness,' replied I. `I felt certain of
it.'

"`But she is only my sister-in-law, sir,--my brother's wife.'

"`Then, I presume, he chose a wife as like his sister as he could find;
nothing more natural--I should have done the same.'

"`Sir, you are very polite,' replied the lady, who lowered down the
window, adding, `I like fresh air.'

"`Perhaps you will find yourself less incommoded if you take off your
veil?'

"`I will not ascribe that proposition to curiosity on your part, sir,'
replied the lady, `as you have already seen my face.'

"`You cannot, then, be surprised at my wishing to see it once more.'

"`You are very polite, sir.'

"Although her voice was soft, there was a certain quickness and decision
in her manner and language which were very remarkable. The other
passengers now addressed her, and the conversation became general. The
veiled lady took her share in it, and showed a great deal of smartness
and repartee. In an hour more we were all very intimate. As we changed
horses, I took down my hat to put into it my cigar-case, which I had
left in my pocket, upon which the lady observed, `You smoke, I perceive;
and so, I dare say, do all the rest of the gentlemen. Now, do not mind
me; I am fond of the smell of tobacco--I am used to it.'

"We hesitated.

"`Nay, more, I smoke myself, and will take a cigar with you.'

"This was decisive. I offered my cigar-case--another gentleman struck a
light. Lifting up her veil so as to show a very pretty mouth, with
teeth as white as snow, she put the cigar in her mouth, and set us the
example. In a minute both windows were down, every one had a cigar in
his mouth.

"`Where did you learn to smoke, madam?' was a question put to the
incognita by t