"I am not aware that there is any need of your knowing," returned Delia, rather drily; "and besides it will be time enough to think about the end when it comes."
"It may be too late then," said Emily.
"Leave me to take care of that. I know what I am about as well as you, and perhaps better, and I am able to take care of myself. Now don't be offended!" she continued, seeing Emily's color rise. "All I mean to say is, that you must trust me to bring everything out right. I am older than you, you know, and have seen more of the world."
"I have seen as much of the world as I want to, and more!" said Emily, sighing. "I think I should like to go into a convent, and be out of the way of it altogether."
"What difference would that make so long as you yourself are the same person?" asked Delia. "I dare say you used to do as many naughty things when you lived at home with your aunt, as you do now."
"I don't think I did," said Emily. "I used do wrong things I know, but I was a very different girl then. Sometimes when I think about it, it hardly seems possible that I can be the same person."
"Well, don't fret about it," said Delia kindly. "Only have a little spirit, and things will turn out well enough. You have got rid of the worst part of your troubles,—your debts—so you need not have much to worry you."
"I owe you something yet," suggested Emily. "And I don't see how I am ever to pay you, unless father sends me some money."
"That is nothing. I don't care if you never pay it," replied Delia, kissing Emily affectionately. "I am sure a true friend is worth more than five dollars, any day."
Emily was soothed by the flattery and the caress, and she dropped the subject, endeavoring to concentrate all her thoughts upon the preparation for the evening.