robes, it was owing to my mother's good taste and skilful fingers,
for no professional modiste touched or contrived my dress."

"It's as handsome as any Madame Aufait turns out, I think," said
Leah.

"Not as handsome as yours, Leah; but then my mother has to consider
the cost in everything, and you do not."

These words of Lizzie's, this kind and loving allusion to her
mother's tenderness and never-wearying care, fell upon the heart of
Leah as the cold, cruel steel falls upon the unoffending dove. She
looked out of the window and brushed a tear from the fringed
eyelids, that Lizzie might not see it.

Lizzie continued, "I must take care of this dress, Leah; I don't
know when I shall have a new one again. Maybe, dear, the next time
you hear from me, I'll be playing school--ma'am, and such robes will
not be often brought into use. How would you like to be my pupil,
Leah?" she said, with a forced attempt at pleasantry.

Leah looked seriously at her friend a moment, and said, "You haven't
any idea of teaching, really, Lizzie?"

"Yes, dear, I may teach. My mother is a widow, you know, and by no
means wealthy. I am the oldest child. She has educated me at great
sacrifice, with my dear uncle's assistance, and it would be wrong in
me not to show my gratitude by at least endeavoring to maintain
myself, if nothing more. Oh yes, love, by and by I shall be an
angular school--ma'am, unless"--and she laughed a roguish, merry