should learn to play with
expression, and he said, 'You must cultivate your _heart_, Miss Bruce,
you must cultivate your _heart_.'"

This new direction for the attainment of a great accomplishment was
received with countenances that indicated as great a variety of
sentiments as there was difference of character among Fanny's audience.
Mr. Graham bit his lip, and walked away; for _his_ politeness was
founded on no such rule, and he knew that Gertrude's _was_. Belle looked
glorious disdain; Mr. Bruce and Kitty, puzzled and half amused; while
Lieutenant Osborne proved himself not quite callous to a noble truth, by
turning upon Gertrude a glance of admiration. Emily's face evidenced how
fully she coincided in the opinion thus unintentionally made public, and
Miss Patty expressed her approbation.

"Miss Gertrude's remark is a verity," said she. "The only politeness
which is trustworthy is the spontaneous offering of the heart. Perhaps
this goodly company of masters and misses would condescend to give ear
to an old woman's tale of a rare instance of true politeness, and the
fitting reward it met."

All expressed strong desire to hear Miss Patty's story, and she began:
"On a winter's day, some years ago, an old woman, of many foibles and
weaknesses, but with a keen eye and her share of worldly wisdom--Miss
Patty Pace by name--started, by special invitation, for the house of one
worshipful Squire Clinton, the honoured parent of Miss Isabella, the
fair damsel yonder. Every tall tree in our good city was spangled with
frost work, more glittering far than gems that sparkle in Golconda's
mine, and the side-walk were a snare to the feet of the old and unwary.

"I lost my equilibrium, and fell. Two gallant gentlemen lifted and
carried me to a neighboring apothecary's emporium, restored my scattered
wits, and, revived me with a fragrant cordial. I went on my way with
many a misgiving, however, and scarcely should I have reached my
destination with bones unbroken, had it not been for a knight with a
rosy countenance, who overtook me, placed my old arm within his own more
strong and youthful one, and protected my steps to the end of my
journey. No slight courage either, my young misses, did my noble escort
need, to carry him through what he had undertaken. Paint to your
imagination a youth, fresh and beautiful as a sunbeam, straight as an
arrow--a perfect Apollo--linked to the little bent body of poor Miss
Patty Pace. I will not spa