had neglected to remove in crossing the hall, he bowed in stately grace. Miss Taylor was no ordinary picture. Her brown hair was almost golden; her dark eyes shone blue; her skin was clear and healthy, and her white dress‚ÅÝ‚Äîhappy coincidence!‚ÅÝ‚Äîhad been laundered that very morning. Her half-suppressed excitement at the sudden duty of welcoming the great aristocrat of the county, gave a piquancy to her prettiness.
‚ÄúThe‚ÅÝ‚Äîdevil!‚Äù commented Mr. ¬ÝHarry Cresswell to himself. But to Miss Taylor:
‚ÄúI beg pardon‚ÅÝ‚Äîer‚ÅÝ‚ÄîMiss Smith?‚Äù
‚ÄúNo‚ÅÝ‚ÄîI‚Äôm sorry. Miss Smith is engaged this morning. I am Miss Taylor.‚Äù
‚ÄúI cannot share Miss Taylor‚Äôs sorrow,‚Äù returned Mr. ¬ÝCresswell gravely, ‚Äúfor I believe I have the honor of some correspondence with Miss Taylor‚Äôs brother.‚Äù Mr. ¬ÝCresswell searched for the letter, but did not find it.