FIRST PRINCIPLES Having allowed exactly a week to go by, Everard Barfoot made use of his cousin's permission, and called upon her at nine in the evening.

Miss Barfoot's dinner-hour was seven o'clock; she and Rhoda, when alone, rarely sat for more than half an hour at table, and in this summer season they often went out together at sunset to enjoy a walk along the river.

This evening they had returned only a few minutes before Everard's ring sounded at the door.

Miss Barfoot (they were just entering the library) looked at her friend and smiled.
'I shouldn't wonder if that is the young man.

Very flattering if he has come again so soon.' The visitor was in mirthful humour, and met with a reception of corresponding tone.