But Mrs. Darlington was in no state of mind to feel the force of such an
argument. From the thought of a school she shrunk as from something
degrading, and turned from it with displeasure.

"Don't mention such a thing to me," said she fretfully, "I will not listen
to the proposition."

"Oh, well, Margaret, as you please," replied her brother, now moving
towards the door. "When you ask my advice, I will give it according to my
best judgment, and with a sincere desire for your good. If, however, it
conflicts with your views, reject it; but, in simple justice to me, do so
in a better spirit than you manifest on the present occasion. Good
evening!"

Mrs. Darlington was too much disturbed in mind to make a reply, and Mr.
Hiram Ellis left the room without any attempt on the part of his sister to
detain him. On both sides, there had been the indulgence of rather more
impatience and intolerance than was commendable.

* * * *

CHAPTER III.

In due time, Mrs. Darlington removed to a house in Arch Street, the annual
rent of which was six hundred dollars, and there began her experiment. The
expense of a removal, and the cost of the additional chamber furniture
required, exhausted about two hundred dollars of the widow's slender stock
of money, and caused her to feel a little troubled when she noted the
diminution.