in upon them, proved such a charming
contrast to the scenes presented in other parts of the house, that the
old gentleman, warmed to more than usual satisfaction with both of the
inmates, greeted his surprised daughter with a hearty paternal embrace,
and gave Gertrude an equally affectionate greeting, exclaiming, as he
took the arm-chair, "Now, girls, this looks pleasant and home-like! What
in the world is going on downstairs?" Emily explained that there was
company staying in the house.

"Ugh! company!" grunted Mr. Graham, in a dissatisfied tone. "I think so!
Been emptying rag-bags about the chambers, I should say, from the
looks."

Gertrude asked if he had been to tea. He had not, and should be thankful
for some; he was tired.

"Don't tell anybody that I've got home, Gerty," called he, as she left
the room; "I want to be left in peace _to-night_, at least."

While Gertrude was gone, Mr. Graham questioned Emily as to her
preparations for the European tour. To his surprise, he learned that she
had never received his message communicated in the letter to Mrs.
Graham, and knew nothing of his plans. Astonished and angry, he
restrained his temper; he did not like to acknowledge to himself, far
less to his daughter, that his commands had been disregarded by his
wife. After he had enjoyed a comfortable repast, at which Gertrude
presided, they both returned to Emily's room; and now Mr. Graham's first
inquiry was for the _Evening Transcript_.

"I will go for it," said Gertrude, rising.

"Ring!" said Mr. Graham, imperatively. He had observed that Gertrude's
ringing was disregarded, and wished to know the cause of so strange a
piece of neglect. Gertrude rang several times, but obtained no answer to
the bell. At last she heard Bridget's step in the entry, and, opening
the door, said to her, "Bridget, won't you find the _Transcript_, and
bring it to Miss Emily's room?" Bridget soon returned with the
announcement that Miss Isabella was reading it, and declined to give it
up.

A storm gathered on Mr. Graham's brow. "Such a message to _my
daughter_!" he exclaimed. "Gertrude, go yourself and tell the
impertinent girl that _I_ want the paper! What sort of behaviour is
this?" he muttered.

Gertrude entered the drawing-room with great composure, and, amid the
stares of the company, spoke in a low tone to Belle, who immediately
yielded up the paper, looking much confused as she did so. Belle was
afraid of Mr. Graham; and, on he