Beta Book

CHAPTER XX.
HOW MISS FANNY SLAMMED THE DOOR IN VERTY'S FACE.

As Redbud sat thus disconsolate, a footstep in the apartment attracted
her attention, and raising her tearful eyes, she saw her friend Fanny,
who had run in, laughing, as was her wont. Fanny was a handsome little
brunette, about Redbud's age, and full of merriment and glee--perhaps
_sparkle_ would be the better word, inasmuch as this young lady always
seemed to be upon the verge of laughter--brim full with it, and ready
to overflow, like a goblet of Bohemian glass filled with the "foaming
draught of eastern France," if we may be permitted to make so unworthy
a comparison. Her merry black eyes were now dancing, and her ebon
curls rippled from her smooth dark brow like midnight waves.
"Oh! here's your beau, Reddy!" cried Miss Fanny, clapping her hands;
"you pretended not to know him as he came up the hill. Make haste! you
never saw such an elegant cavalier as he has made himself!"
Redbud only smiled sadly, and turned away her head.


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