"Prettier!" says Alice, with emphasis.
"And what is Milly's like?" I ask, slyly.
"Oh, all very well; but he does not come up to mine."
(I expect some fun out of these babies.)
"And you are better looking than ever," I say, concluding my lengthened survey; "may I ask if you find any improvement visible in me?"
"Now I come to look at you," says Alice, "you are—yes—you decidedly are less plain than you used to be. There was a time, Nell, when I simply trembled for you, but your hair is lovely, your eyes are good, and your dimples are charming. I think you'll do."
"Thank you," I say, meekly; "it is a case of 'it might have been worse,' is it not? Now, would you believe it, but I know a young man who thinks me very pretty indeed?"
"A young man!" says Alice, opening her eyes; "not in Silverbridge, surely? Did you advertise for him, or was he dropped out of a balloon?"
"Neither," I say, laughing; "but I am not going to tell you anything about him. I know so well how everything filters through to the husbands with married women, and I'm not going to have my heart's best affections made the theme of your unfeeling jokes. Did you think I should come, Alice?"
"Not in the least! Charles and Fane have been making bets on you. After this I shall expect you to come and stay with me at Lovelace Chace."
"I wish I could," I say, devoutly; "but, this 'outing' over, I expect to be shut up for the rest of my days."
"Marry," says my beautiful sister, resplendent in all the pride of her matronly young beauty; "you will be able to do as you please then. Now—about this young man———"
"I won't tell you now," I say, putting my fingers in my ears. "I am so glad to have got clean away from him, you know; another
