(_A SENTIMENTAL FRAGMENT FROM HENLEY._)
And so they sat in the boat and looked into one another's eyes,
and found much to read in them. They ignored the presence of the
houseboats, and scarcely remembered that there were such things as
launches propelled by steam or electricity. And they turned deaf ears
to the niggers, and did not want their fortunes told by dirty females
of a gipsy type.
"This is very pleasant," said EDWIN.
"Isn't it?" replied ANGELINA; "and it's such a good place for seeing
all the events."
"Admirable!" and they talked of other things; and the time sped on,
and the dark shadows grew, and still they talked, and talked, and
talked.
At length the lanterns on the river began to glow, and Henley put on
its best appearance, and broke out violently into fireworks, it was
then Mrs. GRUNDY spied them out. She had been on the look out for
scandal all day long, but could find none. This seemed a pleasant and
promising case.
"So you are here?" she exclaimed. "Why, we thought you must have gone
long ago! And what do you say of the meeting?"
"A most perfect success," said he.
"And the company?"
"Could not be more charming," was her reply.
"And what did you think of the racing?" Then they looked at one
another and smiled. They spoke together, and observed:--
"Oh, we did not think of the racing!"
And Mrs. GRUNDY was not altogether satisfied.
* * * * *
MEM. BY "ONE WHO MARRIED IN HASTE."--"The real 'Battle of Life' begins
with a short engagement."
* * * * *