The maiden loved the young man well,
And pined for many a day,
Because that star-eyed, queenly belle
Had won his heart away.
But now the young man chooses well
Between the beauteous pair,
The proud and brilliant dark-haired belle,
And gentle maiden fair.
--_M. F. Tupper_



After tea Ishmael, having missed Bee from the drawing room, went out
into the garden, expecting to find her there. Not seeing her, he
walked up and down the gravel walk, waiting for her appearance.

Presently she came up, softly and silently, and joined him.

"Thanks, dearest Bee," he said, as he drew her arm within his own.

"It is a beautiful evening, Ishmael; I have never seen the garden
look more lovely," said Bee.

And it was indeed a beautiful evening and a lovely scene. The sun
had just set; but all the western horizon and the waters of the
distant river were aflame with crimson fire of his reflected rays;
while over the eastern hills the moon and stars were shining from
the dark gray heavens. In the garden, the shrubs and flowers, not
yet damp with dew, were sending forth their richest fragrance; the
latest birds were twittering softly before settling themselves to