to my dispraise. And besides, I cannot
contradict the man's words, for are they not too true? and yet, O must
I be blamed for my humble parentage? O aunty, aunty, I'll not cast a
single reflection! You say you've left off fortune-telling for _my_
sake--but it is too late now; and perhaps you'll need resort to it again
to support your poor, unfortunate Annie. I'm going to you, aunty; the
rough roof of old Scraggiewood will be above me in a few weeks. Would I
had never wandered from beneath its homely shelter! Truly, the world
_is_ a hard, cold place, aunty, as you forewarned; but I could not
believe it then."

Annie rose and proceeded mechanically to place a few necessary articles
of clothing in a small satchel; this done, she sat down by the window to
wait till all was quiet below. The rich clothing, the wages and presents
she had received during her two years' residence beneath that roof,--she
would leave them all behind; they were bestowed when she was deemed a
worthy object, and _now_ they would consider it was a vile, artful
deceiver that had sought to ingratiate herself into their favor to
accomplish her own low, selfish designs. She was a fool for going abroad
in the great world; a fool to think she could ever become respected
and loved. _Love!_ There was no such thing! Had not Frank Sheldon,
thirty-six hours after he vowed to love her forever, turned coldly away
at a moment when she most needed his comforting attentions? And, as she
thus thought, a groan of agony escaped her breast. There came a light
tap on the door, and Kate entered hurriedly.

"O, Annie, Annie!" she exclaimed, embracing the suffering girl warmly,
"I don't believe a word that man said, nor does father either. He says
if you are Satan's daughter, you are better and prettier, and wiser,
than the best of them. As for Frank, he has not spoken since the company
left, and I believe he is struck dumb. I was going to follow him when he
brought you out, but mother prevented me."

"She is enraged at me, of course," said Annie.

"O, she is hasty, you know!" returned Kate. "I dare say all will be
right in a day or two; so dry your eyes and go to sleep, and wake up as
merry as if that ugly Mr. Sumpter had never come here with his impudent
stories. For my part, I wonder Lawrence should bring such a monster into
genteel society;" and with a kiss they parted.

Annie sat motionless another hour, and then, cautiously opening the
door, listened breathlessly