dear Evelina," came floating on the air, and, looking up, she saw two
crows perched on the bar from which the swing hung in summer. One had a
little fiddle, and the other a flute.

"That's the queerest thing yet," thought Ellie. "The idea of a crow
being able to play on anything, when they make such a horrid noise
cawing! The night crows must be different from the day ones."

After the waltz was ended, and the couples were promenading, Ellie took
a good look at the young ladies and their lovely dresses. There was one
so beautiful she was charmed by her. She was as fair as a lily, and so
gentle and sweet Ellie called her the belle of the ball. A little gray
fellow never left her side, and could not do enough for her. He called
her Alicia, and Ellie did not wonder he seemed so fond of her. She
noticed, too, a tall young lady who had a white face with a black nose.
She looked very cross, but was much dressed in a scarlet silk, with a
long train, which gave her no end of trouble, for it was always in the
way. Ellie heard her say, in the crossest way: "I suppose Alicia thinks
she looks well to-night with that high comb in her head. I call her a
perfect fright."

"You only say so because you haven't one," answered her companion. "I
think it is very becoming, and it makes her veil float out beautifully
behind."

The leader called out, "Take partners for the Lancers!" and they quickly
formed into sets.

They danced to perfection; even the "grand square" was got through
without a blunder. The leader was unlucky enough to step upon the
scarlet train, and its wearer turned upon him, crying out: "I do wish,
Mr. Hopkins, you wouldn't be so clumsy! You will tear my dress off me."

He humbly begged her pardon, but told his partner he should look out and
not get in the same set with Matilda again; she was as disagreeable as
ever. "Just because her grandmother was French, she gives herself great
airs. She is no better than the rest of us."

After the Lancers was finished, Matilda went to the arbor to get her
train pinned up. It was sadly torn. While one of the matrons was at work
upon it, Ellie listened to the conversation.

"Why isn't Mrs. Gray here to-night?" asked one.

"Don't you know she has eight little ones a week old to-day?"

"Oh, indeed! Her hands must be full. I have been so busy with my own
affairs, I know nothing about my neighbors'. But who is that who has
just arrived? Mr. Hopkins will surely break his neck t