e by moving forward in that direction, Fanny accompanying her,
and busying herself as she went by stripping the decorations from
Emily's despised bonnet; Belle tying an embroidered handkerchief under
her chin; and Mr. Bruce swinging on his arm the otherwise neglected
hat.

Belle did not recover her temper during the evening; the rest found
their excursion agreeable, and it was nearly dark when they reached the
Thornton farm on their return. Here Gertrude left them, telling Fanny
that she had promised to stop and see Jenny Thornton, one of her
Sunday-school class, who was in a fever, and refusing to let her remain,
as her mother might not wish her to enter the house, where several of
the family were sick. About an hour after, as Gertrude was walking home
in some haste, she was joined near Mr. Graham's house by Mr. Bruce, who,
with her hat still hanging on his arm, seemed to have been awaiting her
return. She started on his abruptly joining her, for it was so dark that
she did not at once recognise him, and supposed it might be a stranger.

"Miss Gertrude," said he, "I hope I don't alarm you."

"Oh no," said she, reassured by the sound of his voice; "I did not know
who it was."

He offered his arm, and she took it; for his recent devotion to Kitty
had served in some degree to relieve her of any fear she had felt lest
his attentions carried meaning with them; and concluding that he liked
to play beau-general, she had no objection to his escorting her home.

"We had a very pleasant walk this evening," said he; "at least, I had.
Miss Kitty is a very entertaining companion."

"I think she is," replied Gertrude; "I like her frank, lively manners
much."

"I am afraid you found Fanny rather poor company. I should have joined
you occasionally, but I could hardly find an opportunity to quit Miss
Kitty, we were so much interested in what we were saying."

"Fanny and I are accustomed to each other, and very happy together,"
said Gertrude.

"Do you know we have planned a delightful drive for to-morrow?"

"No; I was not aware of it."

"I suppose Miss Kay expects I shall ask her to go with me; but
supposing, Miss Gertrude, I should give you the preference, and ask you,
what should you say?"

"That I was much obliged to you, but had an engagement to take a drive
with Miss Emily," replied Gertrude, promptly.

"Indeed!" said he, in a suppressed and provoked tone; "I thought you
would like it; but Miss Kitty, I doubt not wi