matter of this riding was no concern of theirs; and having business
enough of their own, they concluded to let Mrs. Lindsay and her guests
do as they pleased. This was a wise conclusion, since it daily became
more and more evident that they had no intention of doing otherwise
than as they pleased. Some of the family always presented themselves at
church on the Lord's day, but among them Miss Emma, and an elderly
woman supposed to be the housekeeper, were the only constant
attendants. Thus much of the new family at Appledale. The reader will
learn more as we progress in our story.

"I would see Mrs. Lindsay and the young ladies," said Henry Boyd, as
the servant opened the door. Henry was shown into the same room, where
many a time he had sat and talked with old Mr. Croswell, but which now
seemed to him like another place. A handsome carpet now covered the
white oaken floor, and rich curtains partially concealed the windows
once shaded by simple green. Where stood the old "sideboard" was now an
elegant piano, and luxurious chairs and lounges had taken the place of
Mr. Croswell's high-backed, upright-looking furniture. But Henry was
self-possessed; and though there were a number of young ladies in the
room, dressed in handsome morning _dishabille_, he neither stammered
nor turned red, but bowing easily to Mrs. Lindsay, gave Misses Martha
and Emma an invitation to go with him and the young ladies to the
plain. Mrs. Lindsay saw that Martha, on glancing from the window at the
rustic-looking company, could scarcely suppress a smile, so she
courteously thanked Henry, and was about to excuse her daughters, when
Emma entered the room. Henry could not accuse either Mrs. Lindsay or
Martha of impoliteness, but he felt somehow as though there was a great
contrast between this courtesy and that shown him by Emma; for she
offered him her hand, and said, "It is very kind of you to call for us,
and if mamma pleases, I should like to go."