differently, and perhaps am different. Their ways are not my ways; and
what good can you expect from such association?"

"Why, pleasant companionship. What wouldst thou more?"

"I? Not even that. But tell me, can't you dissuade Aunt Esther from going
to-night? Tell your father, and let him judge if you had better not."

"I really think Mamma would not care to go, for she said as much to Father;
but, averse as he generally is to going out, he insists on our going
to-night, and, what is more, intends to accompany us, although Louis is
going also. But if you think Mamma is seriously run down, I shall tell him
immediately, and--"

A blithe voice at the door interrupted her, calling:

"Open the door, Ruth; my hands are full."

She rose hastily, and with a signal of silence to her loquacious cousin,
opened the door for her mother.

"Ah, Jennie, how are your, dear? But let us inspect this box which Nora
has just handed me, before we consider you;" and Mrs. Levice softly
deposited a huge box upon Ruth's lace-enveloped bed.

She was still bonneted and gloved, and with a slight flush in her clear
olive cheek she looked like anything but a subject for fears. From the
crown of her dainty bonnet to the point of her boot she was the picture of
exquisite refinement; tall, beautifully formed, carrying her head like a
queen, gowned in perfect, quiet elegance, she appeared more like Ruth's