Gabrielle is still in the tedious preliminary steps, for Geometry and
Latin, rather than the _Rhythme des Doigts_ and the _Ecole de la
Velocité_, have hitherto engaged her attention; but time will show.




CHAPTER III.

An Unexpected Visit--Morning Drives--Gabrielle's Ponies--A Repulsive
Object--A Visitor--The King of Sweden's Soup--Advantages of a Royal
Kitchen--Startling Experience--Ida's Letters--Strange Contents--A Lucky
Stone--Bequest for a Melodeon--Offers of Marriage--Arrival of a
Suitor--Reasons why he should marry Ida Greeley--He proves a
Lunatic--He is taken before a Magistrate--He is lodged in the County
Jail.


_June 5_.

As unexpected visit yesterday from Mr. O'Dwyer, a member of _The
Tribune_ staff, and for several years dear uncle's private secretary.

Mamma had invited Mr. O'Dwyer to come out and pass a quiet day with us,
and had appointed Wednesday for the visit. Desirous of a little
excitement, and already somewhat weary of our nun-like simplicity of
toilette, we decided to do honor to our guest by dressing our hair
quite elaborately, and attiring ourselves, despite the heat, in our
best bombazines with their weight of crape. We were assembled in the
dining-room after our early dinner, discussing, in our plain print