o detail the many petty annoyances to which Gertrude was
daily subjected; nor with all the pains taken to prevent it, could Emily
be long kept in ignorance of the light estimation in which both herself
and Gertrude were regarded. Kitty, incensed at the incivility of her
aunt and Isabel, and indifferent towards the visitors, hesitated not to
express both to Emily and Gertrude her sense of the injuries they
sustained. But Kitty was no formidable antagonist to Mrs. Graham and
Belle, for her spirits were greatly subdued, and she no longer dared, as
she would once have done, to stand between her friends and the
indignities to which they were exposed.

But Mrs. Graham became at last entangled in difficulties of her own
weaving. Her husband returned, and it now became necessary to set bounds
to her own insolence, and, what was far more difficult, to that of
Isabel. Mrs. Graham knew just how far her husband's forbearance would
extend--just the point to which his perceptions might be blinded. But in
his absence she permitted Belle to fill the house with her lively young
acquaintances, and winked at the many flagrant violations of politeness
manifested by the young people towards the daughter of their absent
host, and their youthful friend and attendant. But now a check must be
put to all indecorous proceedings; and, unfortunately for the execution
of the wife's precautions, the head of the family returned unexpectedly,
and under circumstances which forestalled any preparation. He arrived
just at dusk, having come from town in an omnibus. It was a cool
evening, the windows and doors were closed, and the drawing-room was so
brilliantly lighted that he suspected that a large company was being
entertained there. He felt vexed, for it was Saturday night, and, in
accordance with New England customs, Mr. Graham loved to see his
household quiet on that evening. He was also suffering from a violent
headache, and, avoiding the drawing-room, passed on to the library, and
then to the dining-room. He then went upstairs, walked through several
rooms, glanced indignantly at their slovenly appearance, and finally
gained Emily's chamber.

A bright wood fire burned upon the hearth; a couch was drawn up beside
it, on which Emily was sitting; and Gertrude's little rocking-chair
occupied the opposite corner. The peaceful face of Emily, and the
radiant expression of Gertrude's countenance, as she saw the father of
her blind friend looking pleasantly