“Real diamonds,” said Jane Kelly, feeling hastily in her pocket, and drawing out a paper box which she opened, “something like that, maybe.” “Goodness gracious! where did you get it?” cried the girl, snatching at the diamond ear-ring, which flashed and quivered in the gas-light. “At any rate, it’s my own and borrowed from no mistress, you may stake your life on that—so you see that I can cut a splash when I want to.” “Let me see the other,” said Ellen, reaching forth her hand toward the box. “Oh, they are exactly alike, of course,” answered Jane, crowding a tuft of pink cotton wool into the box; “mates, you know, and worth lots of chink.” “How did you come by them? now, tell me.” “Never you mind; they belong to me, and I can wear them before the Queen of England if I like.” “Well, you have been lucky!” “Some folks are lucky one way, and some another,—you are great on wine and aristocratic company—I—no matter about me,—I’m not good enough for these little swarrys.” “Oh, but I didn’t say that. You always was a stylish girl, Jane, and those rings are sumpt’us. With them in your ears, and coming as my friend, what could be said agin you? Got other things to match, I dare say.” “Well, yes,” answered Jane, after a moment’s hesitation, “or that which will get ’em.” Ellen put a finger to her lips and fell into thought. Jane watched her with side glances, while she packed away her ear-ring in the pink cotton. “I should be glad to have you come like a princess—you could look it, Jane Kelly. I’ve often heard young doctors say how handsome you was; among all us nurses, you always would cut the widest swath. If you’ll promise to sweep over some of these topping ladies’ maids and outshine ’em out and out, I’ll get you an invite to our next.” “I’ll do it,” said Jane with emphasis. “Trust me, I’ll walk right straight over ’em.” “That is just what I shall glory in. O Maria! how you startled me; this is my friend, Miss Kelly, just got in from New Haven, where she has been living with, with—” “The president of the College—lovely family,” said Jane. The young person thus addressed put one hand into the pocket of her dainty white apron, and dropped a little curtsy which had plenty of reservations in it. Then she went to a glass and arranged the hair that rolled tightly back from her forehead, patting it coquettishly on each temple with her hand. “I—I am glad to see your friend, Ellen, though just this minute it is the least mite of a disappointment. Mr. Simpson asked me to be in the parlor about this time. He will be bringing things down, you know, and I was going to ask, as the greatest favor, that you would take my place up-stairs awhile. I hope your friend will excuse me mentioning it.” “Don’t let me keep you,” said Jane, rising with the air of an empress. “Couldn’t you go up-stairs with me?” said Ellen, greatly impressed by this grand air. “It is only to sit there while I get the ladies’ things as they come up.”