OR,
"I COULDN'T HELP IT."
IT was a good while after six and a very bright sunny spring morning, yet Esther was not yet out of bed, when somebody knocked at her door.
"O dear!" said she, in a sleepy, pettish tone, "I wish people would only let me alone a minute. Come in!"
The last words were spoken aloud, and a very pretty girl, some years older than Esther, opened the door. She was partly dressed and had her comb and brush in her hand.
"Why, Etty, not up yet!" she exclaimed. "I thought you would be nearly dressed. I came to ask if I might finish my dressing by your glass, for papa wants the painters to begin on my room as soon as they come."
"Of course you can," replied Etty, not very graciously, however. "What time is it?"
"About half-past six. You ought to be up, Etty."