Little Novels

Excerpt from book: unpromising material the lively imaginations of the women built up a romance. The men only noticed that Mr. Cos way was rather silent and thoughtful; that he was not ready with his laugh; and that he had a fancy for taking long walks by himself. Harmless peculiarities, surely ? And yet, they excited the curiosity of the women as signs of a mystery in Mr. Cosway's past life, in which some beloved object unknown must have played a chief part. As a matter of course, the influence of the sex was tried, under every indirect and delicate form of approach, to induce Mr. Cosway to open his heart, and tell the tale of his sorrows. With perfect courtesy, he baffled curiosity, and kept his supposed secret to himself. The most beautiful girl in the house was ready to offer herself and her fortune as consolations, if this impenetrable bachelor would only have taken her into his confidence. He smiled sadly, and changed the subject. Defeated so far, the women accepted the next alternative. One of the guests staying in the housewas Mr. Cosway's intimate friend?formerly his brother-officer on board ship. This gentleman was now subjected to the delicately directed system of investigation which had failed with his friend. With, itnruffled composure he referred the ladie?, one after another, to Mr. Cosway. His name was Stone. The ladies decided that his nature was worthy of his name. The last resource left to our fair friends was to rouse the dormant interest of the men, and to trust to the confidential intercourse of the smoking-room for the enlightenment which they had failed to obtain by other means. In the accomplishment of this purpose, the degree of success which rewarded their efforts was due to a favouring state of affairs in the house. The shooting was not good for much; the. . .