"She's the daughter of old Hudson, the watchmaker." "Is she a good teacher?" "Yes, one of the best lady-teachers in the city." Just then the door opened, and the subject of remark entered the parlor. Doctor Baldwin bowed to her familiarly as their eyes met; and she, smiling brightly, bowed also, and then passed quickly into the back parlor, where she seated herself near the window, and taking up a book, bent her head over it with her face so turned away from the company in the other room that they could not see it. For a moment or two Baldwin, who was taken all by surprise, debated the question whether he should introduce his sister to Ella or not; but he wisely decided that it was not a fitting opportunity, and could be only attended with unpleasant consequences. The familiar way in which Baldwin and her music teacher had greeted each other, rather surprised the young lady, and caused her to look wonderingly at the doctor for an instant. The sister, too, thought it strange. "Do you know that Miss Hudson?" she asked, as they walked homewards. "Yes, very well," he said. "Indeed! How came you to know her?" "She is the sister of Dr. Hudson, whom you have seen once or twice at our house." "And he's a son of the old watchmaker, is he? I did not know that." There was a slight expression of contempt in the young girl's voice. "He's the son of as honest and honorable a man as ever lived, and is himself an honor to the profession, and will one day be among its brightest lights." The brother spoke warmly. "And through him, I suppose, you got acquainted with the sister." "Rather say, in spite of him, for he was in no haste to introduce me." "Why did you wish to be introduced?" "Because I thought her a charming girl." "A music teacher, and the daughter of an old watchmaker! Why, brother! What has come over you?" There was marked contempt in the sister's voice. "What would Miss Elbert think of this?" "What difference to me would her thoughts make? None, I assure you. Ella Hudson is far superior to Miss Elbert in everything. There is no comparison between them!" "Edward, are you crazed?" exclaimed the sister. "Far from it, Clara. I was never more in my right mind than I am now; and never more in earnest. I have for some time wanted to talk to you on this very subject, but no fitting opportunity before occurred." "About what subject, brother? I am all amazement!" "About my preference for Miss Hudson." "Preference! Edward!" "No, not preference—regard." "Regard?" "No.—Love." Astonishment kept the sister mute for some moments. Then she said, appealingly— "Surely, Edward, you do not think of subjecting your family to a deep humiliation." "No, sister, certainly not. The old watchmaker's daughter will reflect honor upon any family whose name she bears; for she is one among a thousand." "Oh Edward! What will our mother say? How will our mother feel?"