CHAPTER VII.

MAKING LOVE.


An accident had occurred to the downward train, and Rosamond was
detained upon the road for a long time, so that it was already dark
when she reached the Granby depot. Wishing to surprise Mr. Browning,
she started for home on foot, leaving her trunks in charge of the
baggage master. All around the house was still, and stepping into the
hall she was about passing up the stairs, when the parlor door
suddenly opened, throwing a glare of light upon her face. The same
instant some one caught her round the neck, and kissing her twice,
only released her when she exclaimed, "_Mr. Browning_, I am surprised
at you!"

"Mr. Browning! _Thunder!_ Just as though I was my uncle!" cried a
familiar voice, and looking at the speaker, Rosamond recognized _Ben
Van Vechten!_ He had come to Riverside the day previous, he said, and
hearing she was expected, had waited at the depot four mortal hours,
and then returned in disgust.

"But how did you know me?" she asked, and he replied, "By your
daguerreotype, of course. There is but one such beautiful face in the
whole world."

He was disposed to be complimentary, and Rosamond was not sorry when
his mother appeared, for in her presence he was tolerably reserved.
Mrs. Van Vechten greeted Rosamond politely, but the old hauteur was