"They were unpacking their trunks. Anna was very cordial—so was Josephine—for her. 'We concluded yesterday, to come up,' said Anna. 'Pa made a point of it, and Ida's letter was so kind and polite, that we finally determined to accept.'
"'And Mr. Thornton and M. Villet were so desirous to have some Richmond girls here;' said Josephine."
"Aha!" interrupted Ellen.
Emma continued. "Anna did not notice her remark. 'The maid tells me Ida is to be married;' she said, eagerly. 'What a trick she has played us!' 'The queerest part of the story is, that she is more surprised than any body else,' I answered—'They have not been engaged a week! You know the groom?'"
"'O yes! he is a noble fellow! I am rejoiced she is to marry him at last.'"
"And what did Josephine say to this?" asked the inquisitive Ellen. "You need not pretend you have told us all."
"Oh! nothing of consequence. She spoke very carelessly,—of his 'being nothing extra,' and 'she is welcome to him,' with no symptoms of unusual malice."
"Maybe she does not care now, having transferred her attentions to Mr. Thornton. That harp will hang upon the willow, too, or my name is not Ellen Morris!"
A note was handed Ida.