Miss Lavinia said that she agreed with her.
"Reddy, as I call your lovely little niece—your cousin, eh?—is one of my most cherished pupils, madam; and I discover in her so many charming criterions of excellence, that I am sure she will grow up an object of interest to everybody. There she is out on the lawn. I will call her, madam, and if you would dispense with my society for a short time, I will again return, and we will discuss my favorite subject, the beauties of nature."
Miss Lavinia having, by a solemn movement of the head, indicated her willingness to languish without her hostess' society for a short period, Miss Sallianna rose, and made her exit from the apartment, with upraised eyes and gently smiling lips.
Five minutes afterwards Redbud ran in, laughing and rosy-cheeked.
"Oh, cousin Lavinia!" she cried, "I'm so glad to see you!"
Miss Lavinia enclosed her young relation in a dignified embrace, and kissed her solemnly.
"I am very glad to see you looking so well, Redbud," she said, indicating a cricket at her feet, upon which Miss Redbud accordingly seated herself. I have not been able before to come and see you, but Miss Scowley gives me excellent accounts of you."
"Does she!" laughed Redbud.
"Yes."
Redbud laughed again.