“‘Dear Eddie--It is with a heavy heart that I write this communication, because things are not going on well here by any means; and I would not distress you with a history of our troubles, but I know you must learn of them sooner or later. Viola has changed very much since she arrived here two months ago. She is by no means like the same girl she was when she came here last fall. There is a breach between her and me that grows wider every day--since she became aware of my determination not to place myself in a situation where the world would be justified in applying the dishonorable name of fortune-hunter to me. I was alone with Viola one day in Lottie’s flower garden, happy to be near one I loved so devotedly. I think I must have lost control of myself--I was so completely overcome with my passion that I scarcely knew what I was doing. I think she concluded that I was about to make a declaration of my love for her, and to make her an offer of marriage. I am sure I do not know exactly what I did say; but I will try to tell you the substance of what occurred. She was pinning a rose on my breast, while her sweet lips were near mine, and I seized her hand and kissed it. “‘“Miss Bramlett,” said I, “how beautiful you look to-day. Do you know that I think you are the most charming girl in the world?” “‘“How should I know your thoughts, Mr. Wallingford, about anything, when you are so cold and formal with me? You always talk to me as if I were a mere stranger, whom you had never met before.” “‘“Don’t call me Mr. Wallingford, I beseech you; speaking of coldness, that makes me shiver.” “‘“It is a poor rule that won’t work both ways; you made it, and should not now complain of my adopting it.” “‘“The retort is just, and I have no right to complain; but we are both getting to be quite formal of late; nevertheless, I may be permitted to think and speak of your great beauty, I hope, without offending you.” “‘“Oh, no offense, I assure you, Mr. Wallingford--I am used to flattery, and it does not make me vain at all.” “‘“No doubt you are often annoyed with compliments, but I was only speaking the honest truth when I said I thought you were the most beautiful creature I ever saw.” “‘“Indeed, I am much gratified to know that you don’t think me ugly. I never saw but one gentleman whom I thought was extra handsome; but, alas! he has a heart as cold as an iceberg, and is too proud to be happy.” ‘“I knew in an instant to whom she alluded, and I felt my heart begin to melt at once. “‘“May I know the name of this wonderful paragon?’ I inquired, as I gazed eagerly into her expressive eyes. “‘“Oh, never mind his name--he is a particular friend of mine, anyway.” “‘“Is he nothing more than a friend, Miss Bramlett?”