The Straight Simplicity of Eve

Erie’s face went down into the grass. For his life he could not help laughing; and for his life he would not let Kilmeny see him laughing. A certain little whim— sical wish took possession of him and he did not hasten to tell her the truth, as had been his first impulse. Instead, when he dared to look up he said slowly,

“ I don’t think you are ugly, Kilmeny.”

“ Oh, but I am sure you must,” she wrote protestingly. “ Even Neil does. He tells me I am kind and nice, but one day I asked him if he thought me very ugly, and he looked away and would not speak, so I knew what he thought about it, too. Do not let us speak of this again. It makes me feel sorry and spoils every- thing. I forget it at other times. Let me play you some good—bye music, and do not feel vexed because I would not take your book. It would only make me un- happy to read it.”

“ I am not vexed,” said Eric, “ and I think you will take it some day yet—after

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