and they were in the adjoining room, concealed from her by the
half-partition, yet so close that every word they uttered was
distinctly heard. Her attention was first arrested by hearing one of
them say--

"If she knew Fisher as well as I do."

To which the other responded--

"Yes; or as well as I do. But, poor girl! it isn't expected that she
is to know every thing about young men who visit her. It is better
that she should not."

"Still, I am rather surprised that common report should not have
given her more information about Fisher than she seems to possess."

"So am I. But she'll know him better one of these days."

"I'll warrant you that! Perhaps to her sorrow; though I hope things
will turn out differently from what they now promise. Don't you
think he is pretty well done with his wild oats?"

"Possibly. But time will tell."

"Yes, time proves all things."

Some one joining the young men at this point of their conversation,
the subject was changed. Greatly amused at what they had done, they
little thought how sad the effects of their unguarded words would
be.