ind in the least;
but in truth my old silk dress has been worn till it is hardly fit to
go anywhere in.'

'Can't you get another?'

'I should not think it right, papa. We want the money for other things.'

'What things?'

Did he not know! Esther drew breath to answer.

'Papa, there are the taxes, which I agreed with Mrs. Bounder I would
pay, you know, as part of the rent. The money is ready, and that is a
great deal more pleasure than a dress and a party would be to me. And
then, winter is coming on, and we must lay in our fuel. I think to do
it now, while it is cheaper.'

'And so, for that, you are to stay at home and see nobody!'

'Isn't it right, papa? and whatever is right is always pleasant in the
end.'

'Deucedly pleasant!' said the colonel grimly, and rising from the
table. 'I am going to my room, Esther, and I do not wish to be called
to see any body. If business comes, you must attend to it.'

'Called to see anybody'! Who ever came to that house, on business or
otherwise, but at the most rare intervals! And now one business visit
had just come yesterday, there might not be another in months. Esther
looked a little sorrowful, for her father's expression, most unwonted
from his mouth, showed his irritation to be extreme; but what had
irritated him? However, she was somewhat accustomed to this sort of
demonstration, which nevertheless always grieved her; and she was glad
that she had escaped telling her father her second reason. The truth
was, Esther's way of life was so restricted and monotonous
outwardly--she lived so by herself and to herself--that the stimulus
and refreshment of a social occasion like that one when she had met
Miss Frere a year ago was almost too pleasant. It made Esther feel a
little too sensibly how alone and shut out from human intercourse was
the nobler part of herself. A little real intellectual converse and
contact was almost too enjoyable; it was a mental breath of fresh air,
in which life seemed to change and become a different thing; and
then--we all know how close air seems after fresh--the routine of
school teaching, and the stillness and uniformity of her home
existence, seemed to press upon her painfully, till after a time she
became wonted to it again. So, on the whole, she thought it not amiss
that her old party dress had done all the service it decently could,
and that she had no means to get another. And now, after a few moments'
grave shadow on her face, all shado