Fanny had determined to show that she was not afraid to act herself
anywhere, so she talked about matters not at all interesting to the
company, taking care to think differently from every one who expressed
an opinion.

Again the question arose in Emma's mind, whether such rudeness could be
the fruit of a good heart; but she quieted herself by saying, "I will
ask Dora about it."

After the dinner was over, Miss Margaret Sliver began to talk of some
verses that Susan had written for this occasion, and insisted on
drawing them from her pocket. Susan pretended great unwillingness; but
her sister easily possessed herself of the copy, which, with great
pathos of manner, she read to the company.

"Splendid! elegant!" exclaimed Alice; but at the same time she stepped
upon Fanny's toe, and gave her a merry sidelong glance. "Beautiful! are
they not, Mary Palmer?"

"I am no judge of poetry," said Mary, modestly; "so my opinion is not
worth having."

"_You_ cannot say so, Miss Lindsay," continued Alice, "for I heard you
repeating some lines this morning."

"Did you," asked Emma, coloring a little, "then I think they must have
been from a hymn by James Montgomery, of which I am very fond, and
sometimes repeat unconsciously."

"Of course," said Fanny, looking suddenly at Emma, "you think Miss