Paul Ralston by Mary Jane Holmes

There was much surprise when it was known that Mrs. Percy and Clarice were again in their cottage, and many remarks were made as to the probable state of Clarice's feelings, and much wonder expressed at her changed demeanor. She had studied her role and decided to make herself popular. She was affable to every one. She went at once to call upon Mrs. Ralston to tell her about Paul, appearing as natural when she talked of him as if he had never been more than an ordinary acquaintance. From the Ralston House she went to see Miss Hansford to tell her of Elithe, and how much she was admired in the American colony, and was so gracious and sweet that Miss Hansford concluded she must have met with a change and thought she would find out. Referring to the camp-meeting, which had been unusually interesting, she spoke of some young people whom Clarice knew and who, she said, had come forward and were enjoying religion.

"I wish you were of the number. Maybe you are," she added.