me!"

CHAPTER VII

NEW FRIENDS

As tall tyrannous weeds and rank unshorn grass close over and crush out
slender, pure, odorous flowerets on a hill-side, so the defects of Irene's
character swiftly strengthened and developed in the new atmosphere in which
she found herself. The school was on an extensive scale, thoroughly
fashionable, and thither pupils were sent from every section of the United
States. As regarded educational advantages, the institution was
unexceptionable; the professors were considered unsurpassed in their
several departments, and every provision was made for thorough tuition. But
what a Babel reigned outside of the recitation room! One hundred and forty
girls to spend their recesses in envy, ridicule, malice, and detraction.
Anxious to shake off the loneliness which so heavily oppressed her, Irene
at first mingled freely among her companions; but she soon became disgusted
with the conduct and opinions of the majority, and endeavoured to find
quiet in her own room. Early in winter a new pupil, a "day scholar," joined
her class; she resided in New York, and very soon a strong friendship
sprang up between them. Louisa Young was about Irene's age, very pretty,
very gentle, and winning in her manners. She was the daughter of an
affluent merchant, and was blessed in the possession of parents who strove
to rear their children as Christian parents should. Louisa's attachment was
very warm and lasting, and ere long she insisted that her friend should
visit her. Weary of the school, the latter gladly availed herself of the
invitation, and one Friday afternoon she accompanied Louisa home. The
mansion was almost palatial, and as Irene entered the splendidly-furnished
parlours her own Southern home rose vividly before her.

"Mother, this is Miss Huntingdon."

Mrs. Young received her cordially, and as she held the gloved hand, and
kindly expressed her pleasure at meeting her daughter's friend, the girl's
heart gave a quick bound of joy.

"Come upstairs and put away your bonnet."

In Louisa's beautiful room the two sat talking of various things till the
tea-bell rang. Mr. Young's greeting was scarcely less friendly than his
wife's, and as they seated themselves at the table, the stranger felt at
home for the first time in New York.

"Where is brother?" asked Louisa, glancing at the vacant seat opposite her
own.

"He has not come home yet; I wonder what keeps him? There he is now, in the
hall," a