the Sabbath.
Come dear," more gently to Ruth.

"Whew!" said Mrs. Wynn, looking after her in blank amazement; "If I
ain't teetotally constonished, and clean put out, like a tallow dip
under an extinguisher, by my fine young schoolmistress. You heard that,
I suppose, Betsey Pryor?"

"Oh! of course I heard it," said that piece of antiquity, with a
spiteful laugh, "and I hope now you are beginning to see through your
model young lady. Didn't I tell you there was something behind that
innocent face? 'Still water runs deep.' I knew she was a cute one. I
ain't lived to for--to my age, if I ain't the oldest person in the
world, and not know something of human nature. I pity your want of
penetration, Mrs. Wynn. Massy! just look through that window!"

There was a general rush to that side of the room indicated by Miss
Pryor, and they were rewarded for the effort with a fresh theme for
gossip.

"Good gracious, Rose, look!" almost shrieked Mrs. Wynn, "there they go
with Mr. Strain. Ain't that style now? Come away, Rose, with me, this
minute. My conscience won't allow me to pass over this chance. There is
yet time to warn Clemence Graystone, and turn her from the path of
destruction. I am a virtuous matron, and I must use what influence I
possess to save others from evil communications. I will even forgive
that girl for the indignity offered to me this day, in public, if it is
necessary to save her from misery. Her heart must be melted by Christian
love and forbearance. Hasten, Rose, and we will overtake them."

Wholly intent upon her pious mission, Mrs. Wynn did not feel any
disagreeable effects from the vertical rays of the blazing noonday sun,
but ran down the road after the little group, who moved on, leisurely
and unconscious, a few rods before them.

"Wait, Miss Graystone," she gasped, "I want to speak to you. Why, Mr.
Strain, excuse my interrupting you, but I want to speak a word to this
dear child. Rose, walk on with Mr. Strain, I don't wish my remarks to be
overheard."

The gentleman paused a moment in a state of uncertainty, eyed the
blooming Miss Rose Wynn, whose five feet five of feminine humanity, clad
in bright red delaine, quite overshadowed the delicate figure beside
him. But he obeyed the elder woman's command meekly, nevertheless, and
went forward, asking in a pompous tone:

"Is your paternal benefactor indisposed, Miss Wynn? I did not have the
pleasure of beholding that respected personage at our mornin