"among them, but
not of them." It needed the pressure of Ruth's light hand to rouse her,
and she stood up for the benediction. After it was pronounced, she
became conscious, for the first time, that they had been the centre of
observation. A little group immediately collected around them, and there
was no end to the staring of those who stood aloof. Clemence recollected
then, that this was her first appearance with Ruth in her new
relationship. She felt a slight embarrassment, as so many eyes regarded
her curiously and rudely, but answered pleasantly the many inquiries
that were successively made of her.

"Just look at the child!" said Mrs. Wynn, "who would have thought that
forlorn little thing could appear so nice and scrumptious. Let me see.
Is that silk tissue that dress is made of? Extravagant!"

"Why, so it is!" echoed a chorus of voices.

"Miss Graystone, I did not expect that a person occupying your elevated
position in this community, would set such a ruinous example. A teacher
of youth should look to the cultivation of the mind, not to the outward
adorning of the person." Mrs. Dr. Little sailed away from the little
group in as dignified a manner as a lady of nearly two hundred
avoirdupois could be expected to do, as she threw in this remark.

There was a momentary silence, broken by the irrepressible Mrs. Wynn.
"What is that, a locket?" she asked, with a little scream of surprise.
"Is it real gold? Let me see it, child!" She grasped it from the neck of
the frightened little one. "Oh, its yours," she said in a disappointed
tone. She had evidently expected some other face than the one that
looked smilingly up; the very counterpart of the girl who stood before
her, regarding her with a bewildered look. "Sinful!" she ejaculated, "as
well as extravagant, to put such ideas into that young one's head.
She'll have a watch next, and a new silk dress. I fear for the morals of
this village. Miss Graystone, I expected better things of you. I feel it
my duty to warn you solemnly, that if you go on in this way, you may
lose your position and the confidence of the _respectable_ portion of
this community."

There was such a strong emphasis on the word "respectable," that
Clemence's face flushed with indignant astonishment.

"At least, madam," she said, in a tone of dignified reproof, "I have
sufficient sense of propriety to remember that this is no place in which
to discuss such subjects. I have not forgotten to respect