"Well," said Miss Deborah, "I am glad I came after her. There's everything, with a girl like Dolly, in putting her into proper society. When a girl comes to her years one should put her in the way of a suitable connection at once." "As to that," said Mrs. Cushing, "I always felt that things of that kind must be left to Providence." "I believe, however, your husband preaches that we must 'use the means,' doesn't he? One must put children in proper society, to give Providence a chance." "Well, Debby, you have your schemes, but I forwarn you Dolly is one who goes her own path. She seems very sweet, very gentle, very yielding, but she has a little quiet way of her own of looking at things and deciding for herself; she always knows her own mind very definitely, too." "Good!" said Miss Debby, taking a long and considerate pinch of snuff. "We shall see." Miss Debby had unbounded confidence in her own powers of management. She looked upon Dolly as a very creditably educated young person so far, but did not in the least doubt her own ability to add a few finishing touches here and there, which should turn her out a perfected specimen. On Sunday morning Miss Debby arose with the spirit of a confessor. For her brother-in-law the good lady had the sincerest respect and friendship, but on this particular day she felt bound to give her patronage and support to the little church where, in her view, the truly appointed minister dispensed the teaching of the true church. The Doctor lifted his glasses and soberly smiled as he saw her compact energetic figure walking across the green to the little church. Dolly's cheeks flamed up; she was indignant; to her it looked like a slight upon her father, and Dolly, as we have seen, had a very active spirit of partisanship. "Well, I must say I wonder at her doing so," she commented. "Does she not think we are Christians?" "She has a right to her own faith, my child," said the Doctor. "Yes, but what would she think of me, when I am in Boston, if I should go off to some other church than hers?" "My dear, I hope you will give her no such occasion," said Mrs. Cushing. "Your conscience requires no such course of you; hers does." "Well, it seems to me that Aunty has a very narrow and bigoted way of looking at things," said Dolly. "Your aunt is an old lady--very decided in all her opinions--not in the least likely to be changed by anything you or I or anybody can say to her. It is best to take her as she is." "Besides," said the Doctor, "she has as much right to think I am in the wrong as I have to think she is. Let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind." * * * * *