obtuse, however, in the present instance, as not to perceive
the uncomfortable state of her mistress, and, notwithstanding the
pressure of business in hand, she magnanimously paused a moment to
attempt a word of comfort. How to approach a subject which had been
continually on the lips of the whole family for weeks, was now the
poor girl's difficulty. Every instant was precious. She was in a
measure neglecting the smoking viands under her supervision, and her
long established reputation as cook was in jeopardy. At this critical
juncture she blundered out, "Mrs. Sherman, it's a pity; indeed, it is,
that he, that Edward, is bent on going."

"Why, Recta," interrupted a musical voice reproachfully, "ma is
already convinced that it is a pity Edward is going. It remains for us
to persuade her that he will speedily return."

"Bless my heart, is that Miss Louise?" said Recta, turning to the
person who had so unceremoniously interrupted her condolements. "Well,
now, I declare," she continued, "if I ain't beat. Young girls have
great arts of covering up their feelings. There's Miss Louise taking
on, and walking her chamber all night, and now she's telling me what
to say as unconcerned as if this wasn't the last meal she was going to
enjoy with her only brother."

"O fie, Recta, haven't I told you that Edward is coming home again
soon," said Louise, and, she added with a blush, "You must have heard
kitty in your dreams, and magnified her step into mine. You know you
have often said my tread was as light as Tabby's."

"But it wasn't, last night," persisted the other, "it was as heavy as
lead."

The blush deepened on the young lady's cheek; not so much on account
of the audacity with which this privileged servant had assailed her
veracity, as for other and more private reasons, herein unfolded. It
was not indeed, the distress occasioned by her brother's departure,
which, as intimated in the preceding conversation, was about to occur,
that she desired to hide; but there was one to accompany him, on whom
she had bestowed more than a sister's love, and furthermore, this
friend, having arrived the day before, had progressed, perhaps farther
in his suit than on any former occasion, Such being the state of the
case, it was natural, that, with her lover under the same roof, she
should be jealous of exhibiting feelings, others than a sister's love
would warrant. To cover her confusion, therefore, which Recta secretly
exulted in having