eir instructors, and pleasure to their audience. They
could leave the piano and discuss Shakespeare, Addison, Dick Steele,
Provost, and Richardson; and, being part of the immutable feminine,
could also discuss their neighbors upon occasion, and speak earnestly
upon the serious subject of frocks and frills. As to beauty--but that is
a benediction granted to all times and places, creating more or less
trouble everywhere.

The Tousy girls, having wealth, beauty, and numbers--there were five of
them, ranging in years from fifteen to twenty-five--led the social
march; and they at once placed the stamp of unqualified approval upon
our little country girl from Blue. The eldest of the Tousy brood was, of
course, Miss Tousy; then came Sue, Kate, and the others, both of whom,
naturally, had names of their own. Miss Tousy will soon make her
appearance again in these pages for a short time. Her own romance I
should like to tell you some day.

* * * * *

The firm of Fisher and Fox thrived famously during the first few months
of their partnership, and that Tom might not be ashamed of Rita when in
society, Mrs. Bays consented that she should have some new gowns, hats,
and wraps. All this fine raiment pleased Dic for Rita's sake, and
troubled him for his own.

The first he saw of the new gowns was on a certain bright Sunday
afternoon in spring. Rita's heart had been divided between two desires:
she longed to tell Dic in her letters of her beautiful new gowns, but
she also wished to surprise him. By a masterful effort she took the
latter course, and coming downstairs after dinner upon the Sunday
mentioned she burst suddenly upon Dic in all her splendor. Her delight
was so intense that she could not close her lips for smiling, and Dic
was fairly stunned by her grandeur and beauty. She turned this way and
that, directing him to observe the beautiful tints and the fashionable
cut of her garments, and asked him if the bonnet with its enormous
"poke," filled with monster roses, was not a thing of beauty and a joy
so long as it should last. Dic agreed with her, and told her with truth
that he had never seen a fashion so sweet and winsome. Then he received
his reward, after being cautioned not to disturb the bonnet, and they
started out for a walk in the sunshine.

Dic's garments were good enough,--he had bought them in New York,--but
Rita's outfit made his clothes look poor and rusty. Ever since her
reside