a thrill went through and through her veins, sending the bright color to her cheeks, which burned as with a hectic flush.  Frank saw the power he held, but to his credit he did not then exult; he only felt that it was finished, that Ethie was gone past his recall; and for the first time in his life he experienced a genuine pang of desolation, such as he had never felt before, and he fought hard to master his emotions while he watched the bride receiving the bridal guests.  Another than Frank was watching her, too—­Mrs. Dr. Van Buren—­who at one time feared lest Ethelyn should faint, and who, as soon as an opportunity offered, whispered to her niece, “Do, Ethie, put some animation in your manner or people will think you an unwilling bride.”

For a moment a gleam of anger flashed from the eyes which looked unflinchingly into Mrs. Van Buren’s, and the pale lips quivered with passion.  But Ethelyn had too much pride to admit of her letting the people know what she was suffering, and so with great effort she rallied her fainting spirits, and twice ere the evening was at a close her merry laugh was heard even above Susie Granger’s, as a knot of her gay companions gathered round her with their merry jokes and gay repartees.

Susie Granger was in her happiest mood, and her lively spirits seemed to pervade the whole party.  Now that he knew her better, Richard was more at ease with her, and returned her playful sallies until even Ethelyn wondered to see him so funny.  He never once forgot her, however, as was evinced by the loving glances he bent upon her, and by his hovering constantly at her side, as if afraid to lose her.

Once, when they were standing together and Frank was near to them, Richard laid his hand upon Ethelyn’s shoulder which the cut of the wedding dress left bare.  It was a very beautiful neck—­white, and plump, and soft—­and Richard’s hand pressed somewhat heavily; but with a shiver Ethelyn drew herself away, and Frank, who was watching her, fancied he saw the flesh creep backward from the touch.  Perhaps it was a feeling of pity, and perhaps it was a mean desire to test his own influence over her, which prompted him carelessly to take her hand to inspect the wedding-ring.  It was only her hand, but as Frank held it in his own, he felt it growing warm and flushed, while the color deepened on Ethelyn’s cheeks, and then died suddenly away at Frank’s characteristic remark, spoken for her ear alone, “You feel like thunder, Ethie, and so do I.”

The speech did Ethelyn good.  No matter how she felt, it was not Frank’s place to speak to her thus.  She was now a wife, and she meant to be true to her marriage vow, both in look and deed; so, with an impatient gesture, she flung aside Frank’s hand, repelling him fiercely with the reply, “You are mistaken, sir—­at least, so far as I am concerned.”