"Not very difficult to choose between the handsomest and
the cleverest of the unmarried officers of the garrison
of Chicago," replied Maria Heywood with an effort at
cheerfulness; "therefore, Mr. Ronayne, I advise you not
to be too much elated by Mrs. Headley's compliment. After
that caution, I think you may be trusted with her."
"What a noble creature, and what a pity she has so cold
and pompous a husband," remarked Lieutenant Elmsley, as
Mrs. Headley disappeared from the door-way. "I never knew
her so well as this morning, and upon my word, Margaret,
were both HE and YOU out of the way, I should be greatly
tempted to fall in love with her."
"You would act wisely if you did, George; I have always
thought most highly of her. She is, it is true, a little
reserved in manner, but that I am sure comes wholly from
a certain restraint, imposed upon her by her husband's
formality of character. I say I am sure of this, for
there have been occasions when I have seen her exhibit
a warmth of address, as different from her general
demeanor, as light is from shadow.
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