The effect was quaint and not unpleasing; a little cold, perhaps, but
picturesque and graceful.

The grand piano had a case specially made for it, painted a dull
sage-green and finished in a manner to give it a look of the less
massive harpsichord.

It was at this instrument that Doreen sat, making a very pretty picture
in her white silk, square-necked frock, with bands of beaver fur on the
bodice and sleeves and an edging of the same fur round the bottom of the
skirt.

"My purpose in coming here to-night, Miss Wedmore," said Mr. Lindsay,
when he had delivered an unimportant message from the vicar's wife about
the church decorations, "was really to bring you my good wishes for this
blessed season. I am afraid I shall have no opportunity of speaking to
you to-morrow, though, of course, I shall see you in the church."

"Oh, yes, we shall all be at church," said Doreen, quickly.

She noted something rather unusual in the curate's manner--a nervous
excitement which presaged danger; and she dashed into an air from "The
Shop-Girl" with an energy which was meant to have the effect of checking
his solemn ardor.

But the curate had the stuff of a man in him, and did not mean to be put
off. This opportunity was really a good one, for the talk in the room,
which his arrival had checked for an instant, was now going on merrily.
Mrs. Wedmore did her best to keep up the conversation. Nothing would
have pleased her better than to see Doreen transfer her tender feeling