"I have no idea they were ever introduced," said Arethusa, sneering. "Probably she isn't particular how she makes acquaintance with gentlemen. I always thought her forward." "I can't say I ever did, Arethusa." "Oh, she covers it up with you; but I ask you, Aunt Lucy, how could she otherwise get acquainted with a gentleman of Mr. Randall's position?" "I don't know. Was she actually walking with him?" "Certainly, and laughing and talking in a boisterous, unladylike way." Of course this was untrue, but a jealous woman is not likely to consider her words. "I thought you ought to know it, aunt, so I came and told you." "Do you think I ought to do anything, Arethusa?" "I would not allow such a girl to teach my children." "But she is an excellent teacher, and is recommended by Miss Wilmot." "Probably Miss Wilmot does not know how she conducts herself. No doubt she carefully conceals her forwardness from that lady." "But I can't discharge her without giving reasons." "True, aunt. By the way, Mr. Randall comes to your party, does he not?" "He has sent an acceptance." "And you mean to have Miss Beaufort there to play dancing-tunes?" "Yes; she comes a good deal cheaper than a professional," said Mrs. Tilton, who, even in her pleasures, was thrifty. "That is well. Then you will have an opportunity to see how the two go on together, and can quietly signify to Miss Beaufort, the next day, your opinion of her conduct." "But, Arethusa," said Mrs. Tilton, who was not jealous, like her niece, "I can't think there is anything out of the way. Miss Beaufort has always seemed to me a model of propriety." "Oh, you dear, unsuspicious aunt! How easily you are deceived! Do you want to know my opinion of Miss Propriety--the opinion I formed when I first saw her?" "Well, Arethusa?" "I saw at once that she was bold and sly, and I really think it is taking a great risk to permit your children to be under the instruction of such a girl." "Well, Arethusa, I will take your advice and watch them both at the party." "That is all I ask, Aunt Lucy." "I will get aunt to discharge her yet," said Miss Jayne to herself, with satisfied malice. CHAPTER XXXV. A WOMAN'S JEALOUSY. Mrs. Tilton's house was ablaze with light, for it was the evening of the great party. Ambitious of social distinction, she took care to do things on a handsome scale, though she was not averse to saving money where it would not attract attention.