see the game through before proceeding with his own, and in the
meantime, by judicious attention, hold Laura well in hand.

In that brilliantly lighted parlor none of these currents and counter
currents were apparent on the surface. That was like the ripple and
sparkle of a summer sea in the sunlight. Every year teaches us
something of what is hidden under the fair but treacherous seeming of
life.

The young ladies were now satisfied with the company they had, and the
gentlemen, as can well be understood, wished no further additions.
Therefore they agreed to retire to the library for a game of cards.

"Hannibal," said Edith, summoning the portentous colored butler who
presided over the front door and dining-room, "if any one calls, say
we are out or engaged."

That solemn dignitary bowed as low as his stiff white collar would
permit, but soliloquized:

"I guess I is sumpen too black to tell a white lie, so I'se say dey is
engaged."

As the ladies swept away, leaning heavily on the arms of their favored
gallants, he added, with a slight grin illumining the gravity of his
face, "It looks mighty like it."