"Is it very bad?" asked Miss Yard.
"Yes, miss," replied Bessie. "She's brought her in—she's taken her into the dining room—she's shut the door. Oh, Miss, they're laughing!"
"I never did think Miss Nellie would go like this," Kezia lamented.
"She was here just now," said Miss Yard simply.
"Yes, miss, but she's gone now—gone to the bad."
"What's it all about?" asked the old lady, appealing to George who seemed to be the only comforter.
"I am sorry to say Nellie has got into bad company—into the very worst company—and we shall have to be very stern with her."
"Yes, indeed we must, or she will lose all her money. I know what these companies are. I get a lot of circulars, and I always tell Nellie she is to burn them," said Miss Yard in sore distress.
"Just listen to 'em talking!" cried Bessie.
"I can't abear much more," Kezia wailed.