"So do I," she answered, gaily; "I am very glad she is come, and I am very glad you are come, too." The little speaker pushed open a door, and led Ellen into the presence of a group of young people, rather older than themselves. "Marianne," said she to one of them, a handsome girl of fourteen, "this is Miss Ellen Montgomery — she came with Alice, and she is come to keep Christmas with us — aren't you glad? There'll be quite a parcel of us when what's-her-name comes — won't there?" Marianne shook hands with Ellen. "She is one of grandpapa's guests, I can tell you," said little Ellen Chauncey; "and he says we must brush up our country manners — she's come from the great city." "Do you think we are a set of ignoramuses, Miss Ellen?" inquired a well-grown boy of fifteen, who looked enough like Marianne Gillespie to prove him her brother. "I don't know what that is," said Ellen. "Well, do they do things better in the great city than we do here?" "I don't know how you do them here," said Ellen. "Don't you? Come! Stand out of my way, right and left, all of you, will you? and give me a chance. Now then!" Conscious that he was amusing most of the party, he placed himself gravely at a little distance from Ellen, and marching solemnly up to her, bowed down to her knees — then slowly raising his head, stepped back. "Miss Ellen Montgomery, I am rejoiced to have the pleasure of seeing you at Ventnor. — Isn't that polite, now? Is that like what you have been accustomed to, Miss Montgomery?" "No, Sir — thank you," said Ellen, who laughed in spite of herself. The mirth of the others redoubled. "May I request to be informed then," continued Gillespie, "what is the fashion of making bows in the great city?" "I don't know," said Ellen; "I never saw a boy make a bow before." "Humph! — I guess country manners will do for you," said William, turning on his heel. "You're giving her a pretty specimen of 'em, Bill," said another boy. "For shame, William!" cried little Ellen Chauncey; "didn't I tell you she was one of grandpapa's guests? Come here, Ellen, I'll take you somewhere else." She seized Ellen's hand and pulled her towards the door, but suddenly stopped again. "Oh, I forgot to tell you," she said; "I asked aunt Sophia about the bag of moroccoes, and she said she would have 'em early to-morrow morning, and then we can divide 'em right away." "We mustn't divide 'em till Maggie comes," said Marianne. "Oh, no — not till Maggie comes," said little Ellen; and then ran off again. "I am so glad you are come!" said she; "the others are all so much older, and they have all so much to do together — and now you can help me think what I will make for Mamma. Hush! don't say a word about it!"