Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/267

 ing day. Taking advantage of this favorable turn of affairs, I exacted a promise that my fair cousin would act as my adviser and guide amid the shoals and quicksands of the, to me, unaccustomed social etiquette of the period. The need of such guidance in my case I was able forcibly to illustrate by a reference to that little adventure of mine on the morning when I tried my new curricle. Reva, with a barely perceptible blush, assured me that the apology I offered was quite unnecessary; since, though surprised at what she regarded as an instance of the peculiar customs prevalent at the antipodes, she had perfectly understood my intention. I was about to follow up the advantageous opening thus presented, when Hulmar, replacing in the envelope the sheets of the letter, began,—

"I will let you have this to read by and by," said he to his daughter. "At present I must go to set at ease the mind of Utis in regard to this business. As for you, Ismar, you have my best wishes in regard to that other matter here referred to."