oom with great dignity, while Kitty stayed behind to laugh over the
matter, and improve her opportunity to make friends with Fanny Bruce;
for Kitty laboured under the idea that in cultivating the acquaintance
of the sister she should advance her cause.

She therefore called Fanny to sit beside her, put her arm round her
waist, and commenced talking about Gertrude, and the origin and extent
of the intimacy which seemed to exist between her and the Bruce family.
Fanny, who was always communicative, willingly informed her of the
circumstances which had attached her so strongly to a friend who was
some years her senior.

"And your brother," said Kitty, "he has known her some time, hasn't he?"

"Yes, I suppose so," answered Fanny, carelessly.

"Does he like her?"

"I don't know; I should think he would; I don't see how he can help it."

"What did he whisper to you when you came up the steps?"

"Oh, he bade me ask Miss Gertrude if she wasn't coming back to see him
again, and tell her he was tired to death waiting for her."

Kitty pouted and looked vexed. "Has Miss Flint been in the habit of
receiving company here, and been treated like an equal?"

"Of course she has," answered Fanny, with spirit; "why shouldn't she?
She's the most perfect lady I ever saw, and mother says she has
beautiful manners, and I must take pattern by her."

"Oh, Miss Gertrude!" called she, as Gertrude, who had been to place the
strawberries in the refrigerator, crossed the back part of the long
entry, "Are you ready now?"

"Yes, Fanny, I shall be in a moment," answered Gertrude.

"Ready for what?" inquired Kitty.

"To read," said Fanny. "She is going to read the rest of Hamlet to Miss
Emily; she read the first three acts yesterday, and Miss Emily let me
sit in her room and hear it. I can't understand it when I read it
myself, but when I listen to Miss Gertrude it seems quite plain. She's a
splendid reader, and I came in to-day on purpose to hear the play
finished."

Kitty's last companion having deserted her, she lay on the entry sofa
and fell asleep. She was wakened by her aunt, who returned from the city
a short time before dinner--"I say Kitty Ray, wake up and go dress for
dinner! I saw Belle at the chamber window looking like a beauty. I wish
you'd take half the pains she does to improve your appearance."

Kitty yawned, and, after delaying a little, followed Mrs. Graham's
directions. It was Kitty's policy, after giving offence to h