railing, however, she concluded that the large square one with crimson
velvet cushions must be hers. Erelong the bell began to toll, and soon
a lady dressed in deep mourning appeared, and passing up the middle
aisle, entered the richly cushioned pew. She was accompanied by a
little girl, tastefully dressed in a frock of light-blue silk tissue.
A handsome French straw hat was set jauntily on one side of her head,
and her long curls hung over her white neck and shoulders. Mary knew
that this was Ella, and involuntarily starting up, she leaned forward
far enough to bring her bonnet directly in sight of some thoughtless
girls, who immediately commenced tittering, and pointing her out to
those near them.

Blushing scarlet, the poor girl sank back into the seat, saying half
aloud, "O, I wish I hadn't come."

"What's the matter?" said Sal. "Has somebody laughed at you? I'll
warrant there has;" and leaning over the railing herself, she shook
her fist threateningly at the girls, whose eyes were still directed
that way.

Mary felt instinctively that her companion was attracting more
attention than her bonnet; and twitching her dress bade her sit down.
Sal obeyed; but she had no opportunity that morning of deciding
whether the sermon were grammatical or not, for she was constantly on
the look out, and whenever she saw any one scrutinizing Mary or
herself more closely than they ought, a shake of her fist and a horrid
face warned them to desist. Twice during church time Mary thought, nay
felt sure that she caught her sister's eye, but it was quickly
withdrawn, as if unwilling to be recognized.