Louise knew the big world, and talked of it with charming naivete, and Beth listened rapturously.

Such a girl friend it had never been her privilege to have before, and when her suspicions were forgotten she became fairly responsive, and brightened wonderfully.
They dressed in time for dinner, and met Aunt Jane and Silas Watson, the lawyer, in the great drawing-room.

The old gentleman was very attentive and courteous during the stately dinner, and did much to relieve the girls' embarrassment.

Louise, indeed, seemed quite at home in her new surroundings, and chatted most vivaciously during the meal; but Aunt Jane was strangely silent, and Beth had little to say and seemed awkward and ill at ease.
The old lady retired to her own room shortly after dinner, and presently sent a servant to request Mr.Watson to join her.
"Silas," she said, when he entered, "what do you think of my nieces ?" "They are very charming girls," he answered, "although they are at an age when few girls show to good advantage.

Why did you not invite Kenneth to dinner, Jane ?" "The boy ?" "Yes.