THE DISAPPOINTED WOOER.
Twilight found Gertrude and Emily seated at a window which commanded a delightful western view. Gertrude had been describing to her blind friend the gorgeous picture presented to her vision by the masses of brilliantly-painted cloud; and Emily, as she listened to the glowing description, experienced a participation in Gertrude's enjoyment. The glory had now faded away, save a long strip of gold which skirted the horizon; and the stars as they came out, one by one, seemed to look in at the chamber window with a smile of recognition.
In the parlour below there was company from the city, and the sound of mirth and laughter came up on the evening breeze; so mellowed, however, by distance, that it contrasted with the peace of the quiet room, without disturbing it.
"You had better go down, Gertrude," said Emily; "they appear to be enjoying themselves, and I love to hear your laugh mingling with the rest."
"Oh, no, dear Emily!" said Gertrude; "I prefer to stay with you: they are nearly all strangers to me."
"As you please, my dear; but don't let me keep you from the young people."
"You can never keep me with you, dear Emily, longer than I wish to stay; there is no society I love so well." And so she stayed, and they resumed their pleasant conversation. They were interrupted by Katy, whom Mrs. Graham sent to announce a new visitor—Mrs. Bruce—who had inquired for Emily.
"I suppose I must go down," said Emily; "you'll come too, Gertrude?"
"No, I believe not, unless she asked for me. Did she, Katy?"
"Mrs. Graham was only afther mintioning Miss Emily," said Katy.