After dinner, the young gentlemen were left by themselves in the dining-room, where they soon became very merry and made a good deal of noise.

Chancing to pass through the hall, I found Paulina sitting alone on the lowest step of the staircase, her eyes fixed on the glossy panels of the dining-room door, where the reflection of the hall-lamp was shining; her little brow knit in anxious, meditation.
"What are you thinking about, Polly ?" "Nothing particular; only I wish that door was clear glass--that I might see through it.

The boys seem very cheerful, and I want to go to them: I want to be with Graham, and watch his friends." "What hinders you from going ?" "I feel afraid: but may I try, do you think?
May I knock at the door, and ask to be let in ?" I thought perhaps they might not object to have her as a playmate, and therefore encouraged the attempt.
She knocked--too faintly at first to be heard, but on a second essay the door unclosed; Graham's head appeared; he looked in high spirits, but impatient.
"What do you want, you little monkey ?" "To come to you." "Do you indeed?
As if I would be troubled with you! Away to mamma and Mistress Snowe, and tell them to put you to bed." The auburn head and bright flushed face vanished,--the door shut peremptorily.

She was stunned.
"Why does he speak so?
He never spoke so before," she said in consternation.

"What have I done ?" "Nothing, Polly; but Graham is busy with his school-friends." "And he likes them better than me! He turns me away now they are here!" I had some thoughts of consoling her, and of improving the occasion by inculcating some of those maxims of philosophy whereof I had ever a tolerable stock ready for application.