"Is she not a very nice lady ?--don't you think you shall like her very much ?" Sidney, the best-mannered child in the world, went boldly up to Mrs.
Morton, as he was bid.

Mrs.Morton was embarrassed.

Some folks are so with other folk's children: a child either removes all constraint from a party, or it increases the constraint tenfold.

Mrs.Morton, however, forced a smile, and said, "I have a little boy at home about your age." "Have you ?" exclaimed Catherine, eagerly; and as if that confession made them friends at once, she drew a chair close to her sister-in-law's,--"My brother has told you all ?" "Yes, ma'am." "And I shall stay here--in the town somewhere--and see him sometimes ?" Mrs.Roger Morton glanced at her husband--her husband glanced at the door--and Catherine's quick eye turned from one to the other.
"Mr.Morton will explain, ma' am," said the wife.
"E-hem!--Catherine, my dear, I am afraid that is out of the question," began Mr.Morton, who, when fairly put to it, could be business-like enough.

"You see bygones are bygones, and it is no use raking them up.
But many people in the town will recollect you." "No one will see me--no one, but you and Sidney." "It will be sure to creep out; won't it, Mrs.Morton ?" "Quite sure.