"No, I never learned to dance, and I don't expect to go to balls; but I love singing dearly."
Alice arched her splendid eyebrows with astonishment. "What will people think?" she asked in her own soft voice.
"I'm a school-girl, yet, you know," said Ellen, slightly blushing. "Father says I'm to attend Mr. Adams's classes in the city; but that is not all," she added, conquering a momentary hesitation. "I don't think I should enjoy myself in parties of that kind. I had rather go where I should meet with society that would do me good."
A scornful smile curled Alice's lip; but she said nothing.
"Let me thread your needle, Aunt Clarissa," cried Ellen, running to the window near which her aunt was trying in vain to do so. "I shall always love to do it for you."
"La, dear child! I can generally see very well; but this morning is so dark." Nevertheless, she smiled and looked pleased at the attention.
At this moment a servant knocked at the door.
"Miss Alice," she said, "Mr. Mansfield has called and asked for you."
"Tiresome creature!" exclaimed the beauty. "What possessed him to come here so early? I have a great mind to say I'm too ill to see him."
Ellen started. "Oh!" she began, and then checked herself.