another glance that set her pulses beating wildly, though she answered, demurely: "Thank you; but, of course, you are not a judge of clothes. Olive and Ela said I had nothing fit to wear at Ellsworth." "I have never seen a prettier or more becoming gown than the one you have on now," he replied, with an approving glance at her crisp, freshly laundered blue linen, while he added: "We have some very nice young men in the neighborhood of Ellsworth, and I am sure they will all fall in love with you at sight." "Flatterer!" she cried with shy archness; but his words and looks thrilled her heart, and made her think, with sudden passion: "If only he would fall in love with me, I could excuse all the rest!" What a change had come to the tired and weary schoolgirl of only yesterday! She was parted from her mother for the first time in her young life, among new scenes and strangers, and Cupid was knocking at the door of her heart. Hitherto she had known only tranquil happiness and little sorrow. How would it be now?[12] [12] "Love and pain Are kinsfolk twain." Love changes all the world to the heart that admits him as a guest; but Dainty was not wise enough to bar the charming little stranger out. [13] [13] CHAPTER II. "THE PRETTIEST GIRL IN THE ROOM!" "THE PRETTIEST GIRL IN THE ROOM!" Golden curls, a snare for Cupid. Eyes of blue, a treacherous sea, Where Love's votaries sink drowning, Wrecked on hidden reefs; ah, me!
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