Sydney's agitation at the prospect of meeting the ladies in the drawing-room added a charm of its own to the flush that her exercises before the glass had left on her face.

Shyly following instead of leading her little companion into the room, she presented such a charming appearance of youth and beauty that the ladies paused in their talk to look at her.

Some few admired Kitty's governess with generous interest; the greater number doubted Mrs.Linley's prudence in engaging a girl so very pretty and so very young.

Little by little, Sydney's manner--simple, modest, shrinking from observation--pleaded in her favor even with the ladies who had been prejudiced against her at the outset.

When Mrs.Linley presented her to the guests, the most beautiful woman among them (Mrs.MacEdwin) made room for her on the sofa, and with perfect tact and kindness set the stranger at her ease.