"But I think he does already; he hasn't kissed me since that as he did before; I know he does, and I don't know what to do. How could Margaret say that! oh, how could she! it was very unkind. What can I do?" said Ellen again, after a pause, and wiping away a few tears. "Couldn't Mrs. Chauncey tell Mr. Marshman not to give me anything, for that I never expected it, and would a great deal rather not?" "Why, no, Ellie, I do not think that would be exactly the best or most dignified way." "What, then, dear Alice? I'll do just as you say." "I would just remain quiet." "But Ellen says the things are all put on the plates in the morning; and if there should be money on mine--I don't know what I should do, I should feel so badly. I couldn't keep it, Alice!--I couldn't!" "Very well--you need not!--but remain quiet in the meanwhile; and if it should be so, then say what you please, only take care that you say it in a right spirit and in a right manner. Nobody can hurt you much, my child, while you keep the even path of duty; poor Margaret is her own worst enemy." "Then if there should be money in the morning, I may tell Mr. Marshman the truth about it?" "Certainly--only do not be in haste; speak gently." "Oh, I wish everybody would be kind and pleasant always!" said poor Ellen, but half comforted. "What a sigh was there!" said John, coming in. "What is the matter with my little sister?" "Some of the minor trials of life, John," said Alice, with a smile. "What is the matter, Ellie?" "Oh, something you can't help," said Ellen. "And something I mustn't know. Well, to change the scene--suppose you go with me to visit the greenhouse and hothouses. Have you seen them yet?" "No," said Ellen, as she eagerly sprang forward to take his hand; "Ellen promised to go with me, but we have been so busy." "Will you come, Alice?" "Not I," said Alice, "I wish I could, but I shall be wanted elsewhere." "By whom, I wonder, so much as by me," said her brother. "However, after to-morrow I will have you all to myself." As he and Ellen were crossing the hall they met Mrs. Marshman. "Where are you going, John?" said she. "Where I ought to have been before, ma'am--to pay my respects to Mr. Hutchinson." "You've not seen him yet? that is very ungrateful of you. Hutchinson is one of your warmest friends and admirers. There are few people he mentions with so much respect, or that he is so glad to see, as Mr. John Humphreys." "A distinction I owe, I fear, principally to my English blood," said John, shaking his head. "It is not altogether that," said Mrs. Marshman, laughing; "though I do believe I am the only Yankee good Hutchinson has ever made up his mind entirely to like. But go and see him, do, he will be very much pleased." "Who is Mr. Hutchinson?" said Ellen, as they went on.