MRS. ELLSWORTHY'S LETTER.


The girls had finished tea, and Hannah had removed all traces of the
evening meal before Primrose would even glance at the thick letter
which was addressed to her. She did so at last, at the earnest
entreaties of her two sisters--for Daisy climbed on the sofa beside
her, and put her arms round her neck, and coaxed her to read what dear
Mrs. Ellsworthy had written, and Jasmine took the letter and placed it
in her lap, and seated herself on a footstool at her feet, and the two
young girls looked interested and excited, and their eyes were bright
with anticipation, and even some impatience.

Primrose, on the contrary, appeared indifferent. She broke the seal of
the thick letter languidly, and began to read its contents aloud, in
an almost apathetic voice.

This was what Mrs. Ellsworthy had written:


"MY DEAR PRIMROSE,

"(You remember our compact that I was to call you Primrose.) I had not
courage to say to you the other day all that was in my heart. My dear
child, it seems rather absurd to say it, but I felt afraid of you. In
the eyes of the world I am considered a great lady--for I have riches,
and my husband holds a good position--whereas you, Primrose, would be
considered by that same world nothing but a simple village maid.
Nevertheless, the innocent and unsophisticated girl contrived to keep
the woman of the world at a distance, and to let her see very plainly