that of my aunt. Apparently I have crossed the ocean to meet them
both, for had I remained abroad a few days longer, letters on the way
would have prevented my returning. Of course it is all chance, but a
curious chance. I don't wonder that people are often superstitious;
and yet a moment's reasoning proves the absurdity of this sort of
thing. Nothing truly strange often happens, and only our egotism
invests events of personal interest with a trace of the marvellous. My
business man neglected to advise me of my improved finances as soon as
he might have done. My aunt receives me, not as I expected, but as one
would naturally hope to be met by a relative. She has a fair young
neighbor with whom she is intimate, and whom I meet as a matter of
course, and as a matter of course I can continue to meet her as long
as I choose without becoming 'all eye and all memory.' Surely a man
can enjoy the society of any woman without the danger my aunt suggests
and--as I half believe--would like to bring about. What signify my
fancies of last evening? We often enjoy imagining what might be
without ever intending it shall be. At any rate, I shall not sigh for
Miss St. John or any other woman until satisfied that I should not
sigh in vain. The probabilities are therefore that I shall never sigh
at all."

As he approached Major St. John's dwelling he saw the object of his
thoughts standing by the window and reading a letter. A syringa shrub
partially concealed him and his umbrella, and he could not forbear
pausing a moment to note what a pretty picture she made. A sprig of
white flowers was in her light wavy hair, and another fastened by her
breastpin drooped over her bosom. Her morning wrapper was of the hue
of the sky that lay back of the leaden clouds. A heightened color
mantled her cheeks, her lips were parted with a smile, and her whole
face was full of delighted interest.