Fearful of giving offence, and after making some slight alterations in
my dress, I accompanied Birdie down stairs and entered the parlor.

I believe most persons feel a kind of embarrassment when meeting for the
first time one of whom they have long heard much. I was sensible of this
feeling when I entered the parlor that evening.

Willie rose as I entered the room, and Mrs. Leighton, coming forward,
said,--

"Miss Roscom, allow me to introduce to you my son Willie."

I felt much relieved by this unceremonious introduction. For a time we
engaged in general conversation. The manner of Willie was so genial and
pleasant that I at once felt at ease in his society. I had often thought
that Birdie resembled no other member of the family, but that was before
I saw Willie. He had the same complexion, the same cast of countenance,
with the same smile, only in a more mature and masculine form.

After an hour spent in social conversation, he said some music would be
very welcome to him, it was so long since he had enjoyed that pleasure
in their own home. Laura immediately went to the piano, and sang two or
three songs which she knew to be favourites of his. Willie invited me to
play, but I begged him to excuse me for the time being, as he had three
sisters present, who all played more or less.

After his sisters had each in their turn favored him with some music, he
rose, and taking the vacant seat at the piano, asked if we would not
like to hear an English song. His sisters laughed heartily, thinking him
to be only in jest; but their amusement changed to wonder and admiration