is the way you regard my teachings, is it, fancying strolling
players at private theatricals? What! could you promise yourself to
marry such a man--a man whose chief recomendation is, that he can
play the flute?'

"'Happiness,' I whispered.

"'Wretchedness, you mean! Well, I forbid you ever thinking of him
again. I shall never, never, consent to such a thing, never while I
am your mother. Remember my words now!'

"Oh! Lizzie, wasn't that awful, mamma is so hard on him! I--"

"Bertha, Bertha!" called a voice from the opposite side of the room,
which Bertha at once recognized as her mother's and immediately
turned toward Mrs. Levy, leaving Lizzie standing alone.

"For shame, my daughter!" said Mrs. Levy, in a low tone to Bertha,
"to keep Miss Heartwell standing talking all the evening about your
supposed present from Asher Bernhardt! I shall not allow you company
again until you improve in politeness, and I will destroy that
cherished book. Do you hear me? Go at once and see that Miss
Heartwell is seated."

Bertha bowed her head, in token of obedience, and as she turned back
to join Lizzie, Leah Mordecai was approaching the piano, accompanied
by Emile Le Grande.

Leah Mordecai was a superb singer, yet it was only at the request of
friends that her soul flowed forth in song. On this evening her