"Every one to their taste," remarked the visitor, shrugging her shoulders. Vi inquired for her Aunt Louise and the younger members of the family, and was told that they and the grandfather were spending the day at Pinegrove. "I was glad they decided to go to-day," said Isadore, seating Vi and herself comfortably on a sofa, then taking Rose on her lap and caressing her, "because I wanted you here, and to have you to myself. You see these two young ladies," glancing smilingly at her sister and guest, "are so fully taken up with each other, that for the most of the time I am quite _detrop_, and must look for entertainment elsewhere than in their society." "Yes," said Virginia, with more candor than politeness, "Josie and I are all sufficient for each other; are we not, _mon amie_?" "Very true, _machere_, yet I enjoy Isa's company, and am extremely delighted to have made the acquaintance of your charming cousin," remarked Miss Reed, with an insinuating bow directed to Violet. "You do not know me yet," said Vi, modestly. "Though so tall, I am only a little girl and do not know enough to make an interesting companion for a young lady." "Quite a mistake, Vi," said Isadore rising. "But there is the dinner-bell. Come let us try the soothing and exhilarating effect of food and drink upon our flagging spirits. We will not wait for Art; there's no knowing when he can leave his patients; and Cal's away on business." On leaving the table, Isadore carried off her young cousins to her own apartments. Rose was persuaded to lie down and take a nap, while the older girls conversed together in an adjoining room. "Isn't it delightful to be at home again, after all those years in the convent?" queried Vi. "I enjoy home, certainly," replied Isa, "yet I deeply regretted leaving the sisters; for you cannot think how good and kind they were to me. Shall I tell you about it? about my life there?" "Oh, do! I should so like to hear it." Isadore smiled at the eager tone, the bright interested look, and at once began a long and minute description of the events of her school-days at the nunnery, ending with a eulogy upon convent life in general, and the nuns who had been her educators, in particular. "They lived such holy, devoted lives, were so kind, so good, so self-denying." Violet listened attentively, making no remark, but Isadore read disapproval more than once in her speaking countenance. "I wish your mamma would send you and Elsie there to finish," remarked Isa, breaking the pause which followed the conclusion of her narrative. "Should you not like to go?" "No, oh no, no!" "Why not?" "Isa, I could never, _never_ do some of those things you say they require--bow to images or pictures, or kneel before them, or join in prayers or hymns to the Virgin." "I don't know how you could be so wicked as to refuse. She is the queen of Heaven and mother of God." "Isa!" and Violet looked inexpressibly shocked. "You can't deny it. Wasn't Jesus God?"