"What's the use," said one; "you're as ugly as fate, and the girls will
laugh; besides if you go in the sitting-room after supper, they will say
you just did it to make them say something."

"No such thing," retorted the other, "You've no right to think such
things, when they've given you no reason. Go on right down stairs, you
know they want you, they said they did." And so she had gone down
immediately,--perhaps she took a little pleasure in defying
herself,--and though the girls saw the ribbons the moment she came in,
no one said anything, for there came a feeling to each, that she would
not want them spoken of.

Mrs. Dering noticed also that when they were gathered in the
sitting-room after supper, that instead of sitting off in the far corner
of the lounge as usual, she had joined the circle about the table, and
was busy on some worsted work.

Ernestine was rocking idly with her pretty feet displayed on the fender,
and her prettier hands clasped above her head, in an attitude both
graceful and becoming. She was surveying the group about the table,
where all hands were busy, and all tongues going merrily, and more than
once her eyes went from Olive's ribbon's to Olive's face, so changed
under the effect of a smile. They were talking of father now, with their
voices lowered a little, and looking up frequently to the large
portrait, as if expecting him to answer, and she wondered a little, what
could be the matter with Olive, that she talked so much more than usual.

"A penny for your thoughts Ernestine," said Bea, in a pause that came
presently.

"I was just thinking how hard it was to be disappointed," answered
Ernestine, as pathetically as though the whole world had grieved her in
some way.

"What's your disappointment! tell us," cried Kittie with interest; and
everybody looked up expectant at the young lady who "had a
disappointment."

"Why, I want to study with great masters and be a splendid wonderful
singer, with the whole world at my feet, and sending me elegant
presents," said Ernestine, who always liked to tell her little
grievances or wants, and receive condolence or help.

"What a modest desire," laughed Kat. "Hasn't some one else got a
disappointment, because they can't sit on a gold throne and eat sauce
made of pearls with a gold spoon?"

"I've got one," said Bea, with her head over her sewing. "I'd like to
have mama stay home and be easy, and I'd like to have lots of pretty
clothes and som