"He said that Mr. Benson--Cousin Phil I call him when I am talking to him--was sister's beau; and he would take me off with him when we went to drive or walk, because, you know, they might not like to have me hear what they were talking about. They used to talk, and talk, and talk! and sister had a great deal more to say, and looked prettier than she does at home. I will tell you something else, if you won't ever let anybody know it. I never told Aunt Sarah even, only Charley. Sister cried ever so long the night after Cousin Phil went away. She woke me up sobbing; but I made believe that I was asleep; and in the morning her pillow was right wet. Charley said that all ladies that he had read about in his books did so when their beaux left them." "See here, my little lady!" said the dissembler, with a startling change of tone. "You are altogether mistaken--you and Charley both! Mr. Benson is going to marry your sister Lucy, and never was a beau of Sarah's. Be very careful not to talk about Charley's wicked story to your father, or mother, or sisters, for they would be very much displeased, and maybe punish you for repeating such fibs. Little girls ought never to hear or know anything about courting or beaux--it's naughty! I won't tell on you, if you will promise never to do so again. I am shocked at you! Now take your doll and go!" The frightened child encountered Lucy at the door. Miss West had calculated her time to a minute. Her eyes swimming in tears, her features convulsed with the effort to keep back sob and outcry, Jeannie started up to her attic playroom. Sarah's door was ajar, and engaged as she was with thoughts of her own troubles and insults, she could not but remark the expression of her darling's face, in the momentary glimpse she had as it passed. "Jeannie! come back!" she called. The child hesitated, half way up the next flight. Sarah repeated the summons, and seeing that it was not obeyed, went up and took the rebel by the hand. "What is the matter with you?" A reddening and distortion of visage, and no reply. Her sister led her back to her chamber, shut the door, and put her arms around her. "Tell me what ails you, dear!" Jeannie fell upon her comforter's neck--the repressed torrent breaking through all restraint. "Oh, sister, I can't help crying! Miss Vic. West has been scolding me!" "Scolding you! She! I will go down and speak to her this instant! How dared she?" "No, no! please don't! She told me not to say anything about it." "The contemptible coward!" said Sarah, between her teeth. "How came you to have anything to do with her?" "Mother and sister Lucy went downstairs, and she said she would alter my doll's basque and--and--and"--a fresh burst of lamentation.