Being' conscious of a movement at the other end of the room
he naturally g'lanced in that direction over the rim of the
glass. But the next instant his gaze fell and he took an ab
normally large swallow of water. He had met the eyes of
Miss Seymour directed straight toward him. In them was
the sparkle of mischief, and her lips were curved in a faint,
scarcely perceptible smile. The lady principal, who had
preceded her on the way to the side entrance of the room,
had not noticed the quick glance of her protegee, and calmly
opening the door, stood while the girl passed out, then fol
lowed her.
Perhaps it is hardly necessary to say that in the dining
room the merest semblance of intimacy between the young
ladies and the young men was strictly forbidden. Steve
Armstrong' looked fixedly at the door where the two had
gone out. He had been taken so completely by surprise that
he scarcely knew what to think. Presently, however, as he
gazed his face lighted up with a broad smile and raising liis
hand he gave his fingers a vigorous snap. Then he turned
again to his meal and finished it hurriedly. That night he
did a good deal of studying' with a book in his lap and his
eyes fixed on the wall of the room.
We may as well state at once that this was the begin
ning of, as we would express it to-day, a “case” between
Hteve Armstrong and Maine Seymour. It did not develop
very rapidly, however, for lack of opportunity. Though he
saw her many times a day, in the hall, the class room, the
dining room, and occasionally out about the grounds, he sel
dom could pluck up enough courage to speak to her, though
she occupied most of his thoughts. When out walking she
wore a light brown coat with a black collar, and by means
of this garment Armstrong always recognized her when at a
distance. Many times when at work on the farm his heart
would beat more rapidly at the sight in the distance of that
black-collared brown coat.