Her last place was, I fancy, a boarding-house." Mrs.Loring spoke with a slight shade of annoyance in her tones.

Her words and manner, it was plain from Jessie's countenance, were felt as a rebuke.

In a few moments the breakfast bell was heard, and the family went down to the morning meal, which had been delayed full half an hour beyond the usual time.
"Had you a pleasant time last evening ?" inquired Mrs.Loring, after they were seated at the table, and a taste of the fragrant coffee and warm cakes had somewhat refreshed her body, and restored the tranquillity of her feelings.
"Very," replied Jessie in an absent way.
"Who was there ?" "Oh! everybody.

It was a very large company." "Who in particular that I know ?" "Mrs.Compton and her daughter Agnes." "Indeed! Was Agnes there ?" said Mrs.Loring, in manifest surprise.
"Yes; and she looked beautiful." "I didn't know that she had come out.

Agnes must be very young--not over seventeen.