Lialia's merry voice and her joy of living had speedily banished his
depression which he had imagined to be very real and deep. Lialia did
not believe in his melancholy, and therefore his remarks caused her no
concern.
Yourii looked at her, and said with a smile.
"I am never merry."
At this Lialia laughed, as though he had said something vastly droll.
"Very well, Knight of the Rueful Countenance, if you aren't you aren't.
Never mind, come with me, and I will introduce you to a charming young
man. Come!"
So saying she took her brother's hand, and laughingly led him along.
"Stop! Who is this charming young man?"
"My fiance," cried Lialia, as, joyful and confused, she twisted sharply
round so that her gown was puffed out. Yourii knew already, from his
father's and sister's letters, that a young doctor recently established
in the town had been paying court to Lialia, but he was not aware that
their engagement was a _fait accompli_.
"You don't say so?" said he, in amazement. It seemed to him so strange
that pretty, fresh-looking little Lialia, almost a child, should
already have a lover, and should soon become a bride--a wife.
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