Page:Romance & Reality 2.pdf/39

Rh Merton, who was getting very tired of a conversation which as yet had not turned on his sort of game. Adelaide was too scientific to prolong her stay: she had made her impression, and never had she looked more lovely. The slight, finely turned shape was seen to advantage in the close habit; its dark colour was in good contrast to a cheek flushed into the purest and most brilliant crimson by exercise; while her bright hair, relaxed by the rain, hung down in that half-curled state, perhaps its most becoming. A lingering hope of the covies gave unusual animation to her brother's manner, when he hoped their acquaintance was only begun: here Adelaide interposed: "Mamma would be so delighted to offer her thanks. I am such a spoiled child, that every thing is of consequence. You do not know what an important thing a cold of mine is. But really we are such quiet people, I am afraid to ask you where there is so little inducement, unless"—and here she laughed one of those sweet frank laughs of childish reliance—"unless you come to see ourselves." What could a gentleman say but yes—"such quiet people," "only ourselves?" Why,