"Mean what I say," said Lenora; and closing the door after her she
left her mother to wonder "what fresh mischief the little torment was
at."

But she was only going to make a _friendly_ call on Margaret and
Carrie, the latter of whom she had heard was sick.

"Is Miss Hamilton at home?" asked she of the servant girl who answered
her ring, and whom she had never seen before.

"Yes, ma'am; walk in the parlor. What name shall I give her if you
please?"

"Miss Carter--Lenora Carter;" and the servant girl departed, repeating
to herself all the way up the stairs, "Miss Carther--Lenora Carther!"

"Lenora Carter want to see me!" exclaimed Mag, who, together with Kate
Kirby, was in her sister's room.

"Yes, ma'am; an' sure 'twas Miss Hampleton she was wishin' to see,"
said the Irish girl.

"Well, I shall not go down," answered Mag. "Tell her, Rachel, that I
am otherwise engaged."

"Oh, Maggie," said Carrie, "why not see her? I would if I were you."

"Rachel can ask her up here if you wish it," answered Mag, "but I
shall leave the room."