Constance rang the bell. Martha, who was the only maid kept, except the
cook, appeared in answer to it. Lady Augusta was wont to say that she
had too much expense with her boys to keep many servants; and the
argument was a true one.

"Be so kind as to take the papers out of Miss Fanny's hair. And let it
be done in future, Martha, before she comes to me."

Gently as the words were spoken, there was no mistaking that the tone
was one of authority, and not to be trifled with. Martha withdrew with
the child. And, just then, Caroline came in, full of eagerness.

"Miss Channing, mamma says she shall take one of us to the missionary
meeting, whichever you choose to fix upon. Mind you fix upon me! What
does that little chit, Fanny, want at a missionary meeting? She is too
young to go."

"It is expected to be a very interesting meeting," observed Constance,
making no reply to Miss Caroline's special request. "A gentleman who
has lived for some years amongst the poor heathens is to give a history
of his personal experiences. Some of the anecdotes are beautiful."

"Who told you they were?" asked Caroline.

"Mr. Yorke," replied Constance, a pretty blush rising to her cheek. "He
knows the lecturer well. You would be pleased to hear them."

"It is not for that I wish to go," said Caroline. "I think meetings,
where there's nothing but talking, are the dullest things in the world.
If I were to listen, it would send me to sleep."