As will be readily supposed under the circumstances, this part of the entertainment was distasteful to both of them; but it could not be avoided without entering into explanations, which Mistress Nutter was unwilling to make, and she, therefore, counselled her daughter to act in all respects as if she were still Alizon Device, and in no way connected with her.
"I shall take an early opportunity of announcing my intention to adopt you," she said, "and then you can act differently.

Meantime, keep near me as much as you can.

Say little to Dorothy or Richard Assheton, and prepare to retire early; for this noisy and riotous assemblage is not much to my taste, and I care not how soon I quit it." Alizon assented to what was said, and stole a timid glance towards Richard and Dorothy; but the latter, who alone perceived it, instantly averted her head, in such way as to make it evident she wished to shun her regards.

Slight as it was, this circumstance occasioned Alizon much pain, for she could not conceive how she had offended her new-made friend, and it was some relief to encounter a party of acquaintances who had risen from the lower table at her approach, though they did not presume to address her while she was with Mistress Nutter, but waited respectfully at a little distance.

Alizon, however, flew towards them.
"Ah, Susan!--ah, Nancy!" she cried taking the hand of each--"how glad I am to see you here; and you too, Lawrence Blackrod--and you, Phil Rawson--and you, also, good Master Harrop.