Edith's Riding Costume. 51

 "I wish you to go, my love, so make no
more fuss; run off at once, or you will keep
your brother waiting."
 Edith needed no more warning; she darted
away, and when Gilbert came into the hall to
fetch his hat, he found her waiting for him.
 "Hollo! Edith ; it's you, is it ? I thought
Grace was going."
 Yes, but mamma wanted us to change, and
Grace was so kind, she gave up her turn to
me."
 "Oh, that's it! Well, I never!" proceeded
he, in a deliberate, grave tone; "why where
did that hat come from ? the remote ages of
antiquity, I should imagine. I believe it must
have been originally meant as a Bohemian
imitation of a bird's nest, only you have
managed to stick on that long blue thing
there !"
 "That's the feather, Gilbert," exclaimed
Edith, in an injured voice; "and I'm sure it's
a very nice little hat, sir, so don't abuse my
costume."
 "Come then, and mount;" and he led her
off, gazing fondly on his fair young sister;.
indeed, in spite of what he had said, he ac-
knowledged to himself he had never seen her
look prettier. The cool grey habit with the
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