by Mrs. Campbell. "But," said he, "I never think of Ella in connection
with Mary, they are so unlike; Ella is proud and vain and silly, and
treats her sister with the utmost rudeness, though Mary is far more
agreeable and intelligent, and as I think the best looking."

"She must have changed very much," answered George; "for if I
remember rightly, she was not remarkable for personal beauty."

"She hasn't a silly, doll baby's face, but there isn't a finer looking
girl in Chicopee, no, nor in Boston either," returned Billy, with so
much warmth and earnestness that George laughed aloud, saying, "Why,
really, Bender, you are more eloquent on the subject of female beauty
than I supposed you to be; but go on; tell me more of her. Is she at
all refined or polished?"

"I dare say she would not meet with _your_ ideas of a lady," answered
Billy; "but she does mine exactly, for she possesses more natural
refinement and delicacy than two thirds of the city belles."

"Really, I am getting quite interested in her," said George. "How is
her education?"

"Good, very good," returned Billy, adding that she was now teaching in
Rice Corner, hoping to earn money enough to attend some seminary in
the fall.

"Teaching!" repeated George; "why she can't be over sixteen."

He was going to say more, when some one slapped him rudely on the
shoulder, calling out, "How are you, old feller, and what is there in