And very soon the sisters, Maud and May, were objects of universal observation.  Yet it was very difficult to get an introduction, the young gentlemen all found; for the widow kept the beautiful girls very much secluded.

Numberless were the delicate attentions paid them, in the way of bouquets, books, and so on, sent by Margaret; and several cards to Mrs. Brownson, with the request for an introduction, accompanied by references—­among which came those of Vernon Wadsworth and Harry Bennett.

The first one Mrs. Brownson knew well by reputation.  He was a young physician of very fine promise, and, being of one of the best families in the State, she considered him worthy of her attention.  The other, she had heard since her arrival there, was the possessor of a very fair amount of worldly goods, the life-long accumulation of an old miser uncle.  So, from the many aspirants, Mrs. Brownson selected these two to present to her daughters.

Just at this time, Doctor Alton, Mrs. Brownson’s friend and the physician who had attended her husband, arrived at the sea-shore; and through him, without any more trouble or waiting the mother’s pleasure, young Doctor Wadsworth obtained an introduction, and presented his friend, Bennett.

And although both of these young men did their best to keep back all others by various manoeuvres, many more became acquainted with the lovely sisters, who soon, much to their own surprise, became decidedly the belles of that resort.

Carefully Mrs. Brownson had guarded her secret from her girls, fearing, perhaps, it would have a prejudicial effect, changing their sweet, unassuming manner, which was one of their greatest charms; or, perhaps, for other motives best known to herself.

Although Doctor Wadsworth and young Bennett very much feared the approach of other suitors, it was quite needless, for the girls were best pleased with the first who had sought them and drawn them forth from their seclusion.

The older one, Maud, a brilliant brunette, received with undisguised pleasure the devoted attention of Harry Bennett; while gentle little May, so fair and timid, always greeted the handsome doctor by a rosy flush suffusing her beautiful face; and then, from a shy, quick glance from the eyes, that had drooped at his approach, he would see the glad light that told how welcome his coming was.

“We must win them, now, doctor; you see how much they are admired and sought here.  What will it be when they are out of their mourning robes and in the gayeties of the city?  This is our best chance.  What say you?” asked young Bennett, a fortnight after their introduction.

“Say!  That the very idea of even losing sight of that gentle, beautiful May for a day, fills my heart with misgiving and great anxiety.  I tell you, I began this affair rather in fun—­”

“You mean after funds, perhaps!” interrupted Bennett.