“Did you notice how radiantly beautiful she was?” he cried. “She is as graceful and stately as a young princess, and her feet and hands are exquisitely small and dainty. Her hair is a shower of gold, and such beautiful, large, soft dark eyes, so haunting and mesmeric, I never saw in another woman’s face. The first moment I met their full glance, I realized that all was over with Frederick Foster.”
“How long have you known the young lady, Fred?” his aunt asked.
“Only from the first day we sailed for New York; but the moment I saw her I was done for, and I believe if I had not secured an introduction to her soon, I should have jumped overboard and drowned myself. Oh, I tell you, it was a case of love at first sight—on my side, at least. I don’t know how it is with her; but I was actually proposing to her as we came down the gang-plank and met you, so I did not get her answer. But I shall at Newport, of course. But, as I was saying, I got an introduction through the lovely actress, Madame Ray, who had been with them several months in Europe. She has retired from the stage now, and I’m rather sorry. I’ve known her several years, and she was an ornament to the profession—as good a woman as ever stepped.”
“Perhaps she is going to marry Miss Dawn’s father?” ventured his aunt, inquiringly.
“I don’t know. They would make a splendid couple, wouldn’t they? And I know that the lovely Cinthia would give anything to bring it about. She is devoted to the charming actress.”
“How I hate that girl!” Mrs. Varian thought, with secret, irrepressible bitterness.
“They are all coming to Newport, and I hope you and Arthur will find them as charming as I do—only Arthur must not fall in love with my princess,” continued Foster, blithely.
Arthur only laughed, and just then the carriage drew up at the entrance to their hotel.
As Arthur was helping his mother out, she whispered:
“If they come to Newport, we will go away the same day.”