“Oh, little cousin, when you see her you will understand how impossible it would be not to love her! If nothing prevents, we expect to be married before another autumn.”
“I am glad, Cousin Paul, and hope you will be very happy.”
“Thank you, cousin; I am sure you wish it. I cannot fail being happy with Lura De Cormis.”
“What style of person is she, Cousin Paul?”
“She is faultlessly fair, has coal black hair and brilliant black eyes, lips like coral, perfect teeth, and her hands are small, white, and beautifully formed.”
“She must be beautiful,” commented Hilda. “I hope she will love me. Is it easy to make her acquaintance?”
“She is considered very reserved, but she is interested in you. I am sure you cannot help being congenial friends.”
Paul’s fiancée was out when the travelers arrived at the handsome home of Mr. Robert De Cormis.
Mrs. De Cormis received them cordially and conducted Hilda to the pretty apartment she was to occupy, then left her that she might make her toilet for dinner.
Hilda took girlish delight in arraying herself in one of the new gowns, which fitted her lithe figure perfectly and was charmingly becoming.