The note from Mrs. Rennie contained an invitation for both sisters to this party; and to girls who had been shut up so many months with no society but that of Peggy and her relations, the prospect of spending one evening among their equals in social position was very pleasant.  Jane anticipated pleasure, besides, from seeing and talking with her cousin about everything and everybody in and about Cross Hall, as well as about a tour on the Continent which he had taken.  Even Elsie’s face brightened a little as she gave the last loving touches to her sister’s dress, and said that she had never seen her look better, though she was a little thinner and paler than she used to be—­to Elsie’s eyes she was quite as pretty.

Chapter XI.

Some Grave Talk In Gay Company

Francis had hoped to see his cousins before he met them at the party, but when he called at Peggy Walker’s he found that they were out taking their customary long walk, so he met them in Mrs. Rennie’s drawing-room for the first time.  Certainly the two girls in mourning were not the plainest-looking in the room.  Neither sister was beautiful, but Elsie was very nearly so, and her recent suffering had thrown more intensity into her expression, and made her look more lovely than ever.  But it was to Jane that Francis’ eyes turned affectionately and anxiously, and he grieved to see the traces of weariness, of care, and he even thought, of tears, on the face which to him was the most interesting in the world.  He shook hands with her warmly, and looked inquiringly in her face, and then drew her into a quiet corner in a window-seat, where they could talk without being much observed.  Elsie did not sit beside them, but left them to their own conversation, assured that she would hear all that she cared to know by-and-by; yet she was not neglected, for Miss Rennie had taken a great fancy to her, and was determined, if possible, to get her partners.  At Mrs. Rennie’s parties there never was any scarcity of gentlemen, for they had an extensive family connection, and Mr. Rennie was a kind and hospitable man, who had a large acquaintance in the city.  Miss Rennie had judged hardly of Jane’s personal appearance at first sight, but she thought Elsie a most elegant and interesting creature.

“We have written so often and so fully to each other that I fancy that we have little to say now we meet,” said Jane, smiling.

“We have written so much to each other that we have all the more to say, Jane,” said her cousin.  “I never get a letter from you without its making me wish to talk over it with you.  You have no news, however, I suppose?”

“No news,” said Jane.  “I wrote to you of Elsie’s last bitter disappointment.  It was a cruel letter; she felt it all the more, because she says it is all true.  But, really, Francis, I think her poetry did not deserve it.  She has never mentioned her verses since.”