takes her out walking or riding every day, and this Miss Allison--who
is, I presume, a kind of governess--indeed, it is evident that she
is, from the care she takes of the child--goes along as a matter of
course; but if you think Horace Dinsmore would look at a governess,
you are greatly mistaken, for he is as proud as Lucifer, as well as
the rest of his family, though he does set up to be so very pious!"

"Excuse me, madam," observed a gentleman sitting near, "but you must
be laboring under a misapprehension. I am well acquainted with the
Allison family, and can assure you that the father is one of the
wealthiest merchants in Philadelphia."

At this moment Mr. Dinsmore entered with Rose upon his arm, and
leading Elsie with the other hand. They drew near the table; he handed
Miss Allison to a seat and took his place beside her.

A slight murmur of surprise ran round the table, and all eyes were
turned upon Rose, who, feeling uncomfortably conscious of the fact,
cast down her own in modest embarrassment, while Elsie, with a face
all smiles and dimples, sent a triumphant glance across the table at
Annie Hart, who was whispering to her mother, "See, mamma, she has Mr.
Dinsmore's ring!"

That lady immediately called Miss Stevens' attention to it, which was
quite unnecessary, as she was already burning with rage at the sight.

"They walked out alone last evening, and that ring explains what they
were about," said Mrs. Hart, in an undertone. "I am really sorry for
you, Miss Stevens; for your prize has certainly slipped through your
fingers."