Are you poor ?" "Poor as poverty," said Beth, gloomily.

"My father teaches music, and mother scolds him continually for not being able to earn enough money to keep out of debt." "Hasn't Aunt Jane helped you ?" "We've never seen a cent of her money, although father has tried at times to borrow enough to help him out of his difficulties." "That's strange.

She seems like such a dear kindly old lady," said Louise, musingly.
"I think she's horrid," answered Beth, angrily; "but I mustn't let her know it.

I even kissed her, when she asked me to, and it sent a shiver all down my back." Louise laughed with genuine amusement.
"You must dissemble, Cousin Elizabeth," she advised, "and teach our aunt to love you.

For my part, I am fond of everyone, and it delights me to fuss around invalids and assist them.