The Mystery of Choice (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 edition. Excerpt: ...and I'm dressed and ready for a walk " "So am I," I said, jumping up. "But not like that. You must come up and make yourself nice for dinner." "Nice? What's the matter with these tweeds? Aren't these new stockings presentable?" "Look at your hair " she said evasively. "Come up this minute and brush it." I went, and was compelled to climb into a white collar and shirt, and trousers of an English cut. But before we had gone far along the great military road that climbed the heights above the little river, I took Sweetheart's hand in mine and imparted to her my views and intentions upon the subject of my costume for the future. "You see, dearest, we are here in Brittany for three reasons. The first is, that I should paint outdoors. The second is, that we should economize like the deuce. The third is, our shadows" "I know," she interrupted faintly. "Never mind, Jack, dear." We walked silently for a while, hand clasping hand very tightly, for we were both thinking of the third reason. I broke the silence first, speaking cheerfully, and she looked up with a quick smile while the shadow fell from her brow. "You see, dear, in this place, where we are going, there are no people but peasants. Your frocks are all right for a place like this; we must both wear our free-and-easy togs--I for painting, and you for scrambling about after your wild flowers or fishing with me. If you get tired of seeing me in corduroys or tweeds, I'll dress for you when you think you can't stand it any longer." "Oh, Jack, I do like your knickerbockers" "And you shall wear your most gorgeous gown for me" "Indeed I won't," she laughed, adding impulsively, ...