Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/283

 from its very nature, would powerfully exercise her imagination.

A few minutes later we arrived at the porch. Though all, probably, must have observed our coming, Ialma alone came forth to meet us at the door. After saluting Reva with even more than her usual sisterly tenderness, she laughingly inquired, turning her round so as to obtain a fair view of what she referred to,—

"Who can have arranged your hair in this fashion? Your father?—Well, we have about time to"—

The rest was lost to my ears as they entered the house, and I went round to house my curricle. Of the events of the evening I have but a confused recollection. Reva came down with her hair artistically braided by the deft fingers of Ialma, and looking, if possible, more lovely than ever. No allusion was made to what, no doubt, was the subject uppermost in the mind of each; but all seemed pleased and happy, Even Reva, after an interval during which she seemed unable entirely to rid herself of the maidenly self-consciousness consequent on the novelty of her position, soon caught the general tone, and joined in the conversation with her usual vivacity.

After dinner she herself challenged me to a game of chess; compassionating, no doubt, my evident inability to so collect my thoughts as to give coherent replies to the most ordinary questions. In the first game I was ignominiously beaten. Reva laughed.

"You see?" said she, pointing to the chessboard.

"I understand the reproof," said I penitently.

"You made me promise to become your monitress in behavior; and I am afraid," said she, shaking her beautiful head, "the office will be no sinecure."