"That old thing!" said Miss Sophia.
"I saw her," said Mrs. Chauncey; "poor old creature! she seemed most deeply attentive when I looked at her."
"I saw her!" cried Ellen Chauncey "and the tears were running down her cheeks several times."
"I didn't see her," said Ellen Montgomery, as John's eye met hers. He smiled.
"But do you mean to say," continued Miss Sophia, "that you are absolutely careless as to who hears you?"
"I have always one hearer, Miss Sophia, of so much dignity, that it sinks the rest into great insignificance."
"That is a rebuke," said Miss Sophia; "but nevertheless, I shall tell you that I liked you very much this afternoon."
He was silent.
"I suppose you will tell me next," said the young lady, laughing, "that you are sorry to hear me say so."
"I am," said he, gravely.