"I called to see you on business," said the lady when Mrs. Collins entered the parlor.
Ellen instantly rose to leave the room, blushing violently as she did so. There was something in Miss Granby's manner which she could not understand.
"I wish you would not leave the house," added the teacher, seriously; "I wish to talk with you before I go."
"What can it mean?" the young girl asked herself, retiring to her favorite seat in the bay window. "Perhaps something has happened at home, and they are afraid to tell me."
It was scarcely ton minutes before she heard her aunt speaking in a loud, excited manner.
"It can't be true," she said, in a positive tone.
"Call her and see what she will say," was the reply, in Miss Granby's voice.
The next moment she was standing before them in the parlor.
"Ellen," said her aunt, gazing searchingly in her face, "your teacher has heard some strange rumors about you; but I think you can explain everything fully to my satisfaction. She says you have visited Josey Maxwell."
Ellen started and grew very red, which was not unnoticed by either lady.