earnest tones over some one engrossing subject, or occasionally gathered
in little knots to debate some point, in which, while each offered a
differing opinion, all were oppressed by one common sadness.

While they were thus engaged there arose in the distance the sound of a
rapidly galloping horse. At once all the murmur of conversation died
out, and the company stood in silence awaiting the new-comer. They did
not have to wait long. Out from a place where the avenue wound amidst
groves and thickets a young girl mounted on a spirited bay came at full
speed toward the portico. Arriving there, she stopped abruptly; then
leaping lightly down, she flung the reins over the horse's neck, who
forthwith galloped away to his stall.

The rider who thus dismounted was young girl of about eighteen, and of
very striking appearance. Her complexion was dark, her hair black, with
its rich voluminous folds gathered in great glossy plaits behind. Her
eyes were of a deep hazel color, radiant, and full of energetic life. In
those eyes there was a certain earnestness of expression, however,
deepening down into something that seemed like melancholy, which showed
that even in her young life she had experienced sorrow. Her figure was
slender and graceful, being well displayed by her close-fitting
riding-habit, while a plumed hat completed her equipment, and served to
heighten the effect of her beauty.

At her approach a sudden silence had fallen over the company, and they
all stood motionless, looking at her as she dismounted.

"Why, what makes you all look at me so strangely?" she asked, in a tone
of surprise, throwing a hasty glance over them. "Has any thing
happened?"