, seemed to look in
at the chamber window with a smile of recognition.

In the parlour below there was company from the city, and the sound of
mirth and laughter came up on the evening breeze; so mellowed, however,
by distance, that it contrasted with the peace of the quiet room,
without disturbing it.

"You had better go down, Gertrude," said Emily; "they appear to be
enjoying themselves, and I love to hear your laugh mingling with the
rest."

"Oh, no, dear Emily!" said Gertrude; "I prefer to stay with you: they
are nearly all strangers to me."

"As you please, my dear; but don't let me keep you from the young
people."

"You can never keep me with you, dear Emily, longer than I wish to stay;
there is no society I love so well." And so she stayed, and they resumed
their pleasant conversation. They were interrupted by Katy, whom Mrs.
Graham sent to announce a new visitor--Mrs. Bruce--who had inquired for
Emily.

"I suppose I must go down," said Emily; "you'll come too, Gertrude?"

"No, I believe not, unless she asked for me. Did she, Katy?"

"Mrs. Graham was only afther mintioning Miss Emily," said Katy.

"Then I will stay here," said Gertrude; and Emily, finding it to be her
wish, went without her. There was soon another loud ring at the
door-bell. It seemed to be a reception evening, and this time Gertrude's
presence was particularly requested, to see Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy.

When she entered the parlour a great number of guests were assembled,
and every seat occupied. As she came in alone, and unexpected by most of
the company, all eyes were turned upon her. Contrary to the expectation
of Belle and Kitty, who were watching her with curiosity, she manifested
no embarrassment, but glancing leisurely at the various groups, until
she recognised Mrs. Jeremy, crossed the large saloon with characteristic
grace, and as much ease as if she were the only person present. After
greeting that lady with her usual cordiality, she turned to speak to the
doctor; but he was sitting next Fanny Bruce, in the window-seat, and was
half-concealed by the curtain. Before he came Mrs. Bruce nodded
pleasantly from the opposite corner, and Gertrude went to shake hands
with her; Mr. Bruce, who formed one in a gay circle of young ladies and
gentlemen collected in that part of the room, and who had been observing
Gertrude's motions so attentively as to make no reply to a question put
to him by Kitty Ray, now offered his chair, saying, "Mis