“Yes,” answered Rosa, who, having once found her tongue, showed that she could make very rapid use of it when she chose—“and that bed is yours, and that one is for me and Jessie.” “‘Jessie and _me_,’ you mean, Rosa, do you not?” “I’m the _oldest_,” answered Rosa. “I know that, Rosa; but recollect, whenever you speak of any _one_, no matter who, in connection with yourself always to mention the other person first. Will you remember that?” “Yes, I’ll try,” answered Rosa. She then proceeded to inform Agnes, that her mamma had wished to give her a little room on the other side of the hall, but papa said she should have this room, because it was so pleasant, and he had heard her say that she was so fond of the water. “That was very kind of your papa,” said Agnes; “and where does Tiney sleep?” “Oh, Tiney sleeps with Susan, because she has fits, you know.” _“Who_ has?—Susan?” asked Agnes. “No, Tiney has fits, and nobody likes to take care of her but papa and Susan.” Agnes was disappointed to find that she was not to have a room to herself. “I came here to instruct these children,” said she to herself, “not to act in the capacity of nursery-maid. However, I will bear it patiently for the present; perhaps I shall gain an influence over them, by having them so constantly with me, that I could not acquire in any other way. There is so much to be corrected in their habits and language, besides their being so woefully ignorant!” Agnes continued talking pleasantly to little Rosa, while she was dressing; and when they went down stairs, hand in hand, the very pleasantest relations appeared to be established between them. “What shall we call you?” asked Rosa. “You may call me ‘cousin Agnes,’ if you choose,” she answered, “and if your papa and mamma are willing.” “Oh, I shall like that!” said Rosa. Soon after Agnes and little Rosa re-entered the sitting-room, the Misses Fairland returned from their walk. They were gayly and showily attired in the very height of the fashion, and entered the door talking and laughing very loudly; but when introduced to Miss Elwyn, they stopped and opened their eyes in unaffected amazement. As Agnes rose with graceful ease to meet them, looking so lovely in her deep mourning dress, and with her rich waving chesnut hair, simply parted on her forehead, and gathered in a knot behind, there was a most striking contrast between her and the gaudily dressed, beflounced, and beflowered ladies, who were fashionably and formally curtseying, and presenting her the tips of their fingers.