t occasion her dark silk wrapper was half-concealed by a
crimson flannel sack, which she held tightly around her, for she said it
was a chilly morning, and she was half-frozen to death--she certainly
would go and warm herself at the kitchen fire, if she did not fear
encountering that _she-dragon_, Mrs. Ellis; she was sure she did not
see, if they must sit in the doorway, why Belle couldn't come to the
side-door, where the sun shone beautifully. "O, I forgot, though," added
she; "her complexion!"

"Complexion!" said Belle; "I'm no more afraid of hurting my complexion
than you are; I never freckle, or tan either."

"But you burn all up, and look like a fright."

"Well, if I didn't, I shouldn't go there to sit; I like to be at the
front of the house, where I can see the passing. I wonder who those
people are coming up the road."

Kitty stood up, and looked as Belle pointed. After observing the
approaching couple for a minute or two she exclaimed, "Why, that's
Gertrude Flint! I wonder where she's been! And who can that be with
her? I didn't know there was a beau to be had about here."

"Beau!" said Belle, sneeringly.

"And why not a beau, Cousin Belle? I'm sure he looks like one."

"I wouldn't give much for any of her beaux!" said Belle.

"Wouldn't you?" said Kitty. "Wait until you see who they are; you
near-sighted people shouldn't decide in such a hurry. I can tell you
that he is a gentleman you wouldn't object to walking with yourself;
it's Mr. Bruce, the one we met in New Orleans."

"I don't believe it!" exclaimed Belle, starting up.

"You will soon have a chance to see for yourself; for he is coming home
with her."

"_He is!_ What can he be walking with her for?"

"To show his taste, perhaps. I am sure he could not find more agreeable
company."

"You and I don't agree about that," replied Belle. "I don't see anything
very agreeable about her."

"Because you are determined not to, Belle. Everybody else thinks her
charming, and Mr. Bruce is opening the gate for her as politely as if
she were a queen. I like him for that."

"Do see," said Belle; "she's got on that white cape-bonnet of hers! and
that checked gingham dress! I wonder what Mr. Bruce thinks of her, and
he such a critic in regard to ladies' dress."

Gertrude and her companion now drew near to the house. The former looked
up, saw the young ladies in the doorway, and smiled pleasantly at Kitty,
who was making strange grimaces and giving insign