“It’s Mrs. Worthington, I know. Why did you sit here so long without speaking to me? I am Alice Johnson,” and overcome with emotions awakened by the sight of her mother’s early friend, Alice hid her face with childlike confidence in Mrs. Worthington’s bosom, and sobbed for a moment bitterly. Then growing calm, she lifted up her head, and smiling through her tears, said, “Forgive me for this introduction. It is not often I give way, for I know and am sure it was best and right that mother should die. I am not rebellious now, but the sight of you brought it back so vividly. You’ll be my mother, won’t you?” and the impulsive girl nestled closer to Mrs. Worthington, looking up into her face with a confiding affection which won a place for her at once in Mrs. Worthington’s heart. “My darling,” she said, winding her arm around her waist, “as far as I can I will be to you a mother, and _’Lina_ shall be your sister. This is ’Lina,” and she turned to ’Lina, who, piqued at having been so long unnoticed, was frowning gloomily. But ’Lina never met a glance purer or more free from guile than that which Alice gave her and it disarmed her at once of all jealousy, making her return the orphan’s kisses with as much apparent cordiality as they had been given. Sitting down beside them Alice made many inquiries concerning Kentucky, startling them with the announcement that as she had that day received a letter from Col. Tiffton, who she believed was a friend of theirs, urging her to come on at once, and spend a few weeks with him, she had about decided to do so, and only waited for Mrs. Worthington’s advice ere answering the colonel’s friendly letter. “They heard from you what were mother’s plans for my future, and also that I was to meet you here. They must be very thoughtful people, for they seem to know that I cannot be very happy here.” For a moment, ’Lina and her mother looked aghast, and neither knew what to say. ’Lina, as usual, was the first to rally and calculate results. Had Alice been less beautiful she would have opposed her going to Colonel Tiffton’s where she might possibly hear something unfavorable of herself from Ellen, but, as it was, it might be well enough to get rid of her, as she was sure to prove a most formidable rival. Thus it was pure selfishness which prompted her to adopt the most politic course which presented itself to her mind. “They were very intimate at Colonel Tiffton’s. She and Ellen were fast friends. It was very pleasant there more so than at Spring Bank; and all the objection she could see to Alice’s going was the fear lest she should become so much attached to Moss Side, the colonel’s residence, as to be homesick at Spring Bank.” Against this Alice disclaimed at once. She was not apt to be homesick. She had made up her mind to be happy at Spring Bank, and presumed she should. “I am so glad you approve my plan, for my heart is really set on going,” and she turned to Mrs. Worthington, who had not spoken yet.