t in the large room, had
their curiosity much excited by the merriment which existed in Emily's
room. Gertrude's clear laugh was distinguishable, and even Emily joined
in the outburst, while another person appeared to be of the party, as a
most singular voice mingled with the rest.

Kitty ran to the entry two or three times to listen, and at last
returned with the announcement that Gertrude was coming down stairs with
the very queen of witches. Presently Gertrude opened the door, which
Kitty had slammed behind her, and ushered in Miss Patty Pace, who
advanced with measured, mincing steps to Mrs. Graham, and, stopping in
front of her, made a low curtsey.

"How do you do, ma'am?" said Mrs. Graham, half inclined to believe that
Gertrude was playing off a joke upon her.

"This, I presume, is the mistress," said Miss Patty.

Mrs. Graham acknowledged her claim to that title.

"A lady of presence!" said Miss Patty, to Gertrude, in an audible
whisper, pronouncing each syllable with a manner and emphasis peculiar
to herself. Then, turning to Belle, who was shrinking into the shadow of
a curtain, she approached her, held up both her hands in astonishment,
and exclaimed, "Miss Isabella, as I still enjoy existence! and radiant,
too, as the morning! Bless my heart! how your youthful charms have
expanded!"

Belle had recognised Miss Pace the moment she entered the room, but was
ashamed to acknowledge the acquaintance of so eccentric an individual,
and would have still feigned ignorance, but Kitty now came forward,
exclaiming, "Why, Miss Pace, where did you come from?"

"Miss Catharina," said Miss Pace, taking her hands in an ecstasy of
astonishment, "_then you know me_! Blessings on your memory of an old
friend!"

"Certainly, I knew you in a minute; you're not so easily forgotten, I
assure you. Belle, don't you remember Miss Pace? It's at your house I've
always seen her."

"Oh, is it she?" said Belle, with a poor attempt to conceal the fact
that she had any previous knowledge of a person who had been a frequent
visitor at her father's house, and was held in esteem by both her
parents.

"I apprehend," said Miss Patty to Kitty, in the same loud whisper, "that
she carries a proud heart." Then, without having appeared to notice the
gentlemen, who were directly behind her, she added, "Sparks, I see Miss
Catharina, young sparks! Whose?--yours or hers?"

Kitty laughed, for she saw that the young men heard her, and were much
a