ngth came the names for which Violet was watching; and the presence
of Lady Elizabeth gave her a sense of motherly protection, as she was
greeted with as much warmth as was possible for shy people in the midst
of a large party. Emma eagerly presented her two friends to each other,
and certainly they were a great contrast. Miss Marstone was sallow, with
thin sharply-cut features, her eyes peered out from spectacles, her hair
was disposed in the plainest manner, as well as her dress, which was
anything but suited to a large dinner-party. Violet's first impulse was
to be afraid of her, but to admire Emma for being attracted by worth
through so much formidable singularity.

'And the dear little godson is grown to be a fine fellow,' began Emma.

'Not exactly that,' said Violet, 'but he is much improved, and so bright
and clever.'

'You will let us see him after dinner?'

'I have been looking forward to it very much, but he will be asleep, and
you won't see his pretty ways and his earnest dark eyes.'

'I long to see the sweet child,' said Miss Marstone. 'I dote on such
darlings. I always see so much in their countenances. There is the germ
of so much to be drawn out hereafter in those deep looks of thought.'

'My baby often looks very intent.'

'Intent on thoughts beyond our power to trace!' said Miss Marstone.

'Ah! I have often thought that we cannot fathom what may be passing in a
baby's mind,' said Emma.

'With its fixed eyes unravelling its whole future destiny!' said Miss
Marstone.

'Poor little creature!' murmured Violet.

'I am convinced that the whole course of life takes its colouring from
some circumstance at the time unmarked.'

'It would frighten me to think so,' said Violet.

'For instance, I am convinced that a peculiar bias was given to my own
disposition in consequence of not being understood by the nurse and
aunt who petted my brother, while they neglected me. Perhaps I was not
a prepossessing child, but I had deeper qualities which might have been
drawn out, though, on the whole, I do not regret what threw me early on
my own resources. It has made me what I am.'

Violet was rather surprised, but took it for granted that this was
something admirable.

'Your dear little boy, no doubt, occupies much of your attention.
Training and instruction are so important.'

'He is not five months old,' said Violet.

'You cannot begin too early to lead forward his mind. Well chosen
engravings, properly