.

SHOWS ONE OF THE SHADOWS OF THE WORLD CROSSING A VIRGIN'S.
MIND Nasta and her maid were brought back safely through the dusk by their constellation of a boy, to whom the provident ladies had entrusted her.
They could not but note how short her syllables were.

Her face was only partly seen.

They had returned refreshed from their drive on the populous and orderly parade---so fair a pattern of their England!--after discoursing of 'the dear child,' approving her manners, instancing proofs of her intelligence, nay, her possession of 'character.' They did so, notwithstanding that these admissions were worse than their growing love for the girl, to confound established ideas.

And now, in thoughtfulness on her behalf, Dorothea said, 'We have considered, Nesta, that you may be lonely; and if it is your wish, we will leave our card on your new acquaintance.' Nesta took her hand and kissed it; she declined, saying, 'No,' without voice.
They had two surprises at the dinner-hour.