of Julia's hidden uneasiness, the house was one
quiet scene of peaceful content. The party were
sitting at their work the day after the arrival of
Katherine, when Julia thought it a good opportunity
to intimate her wish to have the society of her
friend during the ensuing winter.

"Why did Mr. Miller give up his house in town, I
wonder?" said Julia; "I am sure it was inconsiderate
to his family."

"Rather say, my child, that it was in consideration
to his children that he did so," observed Miss
Emmerson; "his finances would not bear the
expense, and suffer him to provide for his family
after his death."

"I am sure a little money might be spent now, to
indulge his children in society, and they would be
satisfied with less hereafter," continued Julia. "Mr.
Miller must be rich; and think, aunt, he has seven
grown up daughters that he has dragged with him
into the wilderness; only think, Katherine, how
solitary they must be."

"Had I six sisters I could be solitary no where," said
Katherine, simply; "besides, I understand that the
country where Mr. Miller resides is beautiful and
populous."