Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/107

 seemed delighted to see their cousin Reva. Eured, especially, hung on her, recounting the wonderful events of the school-day. Presently he said to me,—

"I saw you pass the school to-day." Then, with the inconsequence of childhood, "Reva must be very fond of you."

"What makes you think that?" inquired I, as calmly as might be, of this enfant terrible. As for Reva, I could not see her face. She had stooped to arrange something about the boy's sandal.

"She let you have her curricle," was the reply, uttered in a tone of conviction. "She would not let me go out in it by myself, though I love her very much."

"It was I, on the contrary, let her have my new curricle. Come and see it," I added, willing to effect a diversion, and went out with the children.

Reva remained to dinner. This was of much the same character as, but showed a pleasant variation from, that of the previous day. While we were sitting after dinner, a telephone-call sounded. The signal being answered, a voice, that of Olay, was heard.

"I have been studying your last move. Does it signify that you give up the game?"

"No!" replied Reva energetically.

"Oh! you are there," came the reply. "May I play on a move or two?"

"As many as you please, or can," was the answer of the lively girl.

The next move communicated by him was the one we expected. The retort immediately sent back was followed by a considerable delay. At last came the words,—