of the day.
Then the evil effects were delayed, not averted. For a time, Graeme
made excuses for her to herself and to her brothers; then she did what
was much wiser. She determined to put a stop to the cause of so much
discomfort. Several circumstances helped her to this decision, or
rather to see the necessity for it. She only hesitated as to the manner
in which she was to make her determination known; and while she
hesitated, an opportunity to discuss their changed life occurred, and
she did not permit it to pass unimproved.

Christmas and New Year's Day had been past for some weeks, and there was
a pause in the festivities of their circle, when a billet of the usual
form and purport was left at the door by a servant in livery. Rose, who
had seen him pass the window, had much to do to keep herself quiet, till
Nelly had taken it from his hand. She just noticed that it was
addressed to Graeme, in time to prevent her from opening it.

"What is it, Graeme?" asked she, eagerly, as she entered the room where
her sister was writing. "I am almost sure it was left by Mrs Roxbury's
servant. See, there is their crest. What is it? An invitation?"

"Yes," said Graeme, quietly, laying down the note. "For the
twenty-seventh."

"Such a long time! It will be a grand affair. We must have new
dresses, Graeme."

She took up the note and read:

"Mrs Roxbury's compliments to Miss Elliott."

"Miss Elliott!" she repeated. "Why, Graeme! I am not invited."

"So it seems; but never mind, Rosie. I am not going to accept it."

Rose was indeed crestfallen.

"Oh, you must go, of course. You must not stay at home on my account."

"No; certainly. That is not the reason. Your being invited would have
made no difference."

"I could hardly have gone without you," said Rose, doubtfully.

"Certainly not. Neither of us would have gone. If I don't accept this
invitation our acquaintance with the Roxburys will perhaps go no
further. That would be a sufficient reason for my refusal, if there
were no others."

"A sufficient reason for not refusing, I should rather say," said Rose.

"No. There is no good reason for keeping up an acquaintance with so
many people. There is no pleasure in it; and it is a great waste of
time and strength, and money too, for that matter."

"But Arthur wishes it. He thinks it right."

"Yes, to a certain extent, perhaps, but not at too great a cost. I
don't mean of money, though in our c