d aloud the following--"The
troublesome affair which called me here is nearly settled, and the
result is very favourable to my wishes and plans. I now see nothing to
prevent our starting for Europe the latter part of next month, and the
girls must make their arrangements accordingly. Tell Emily to spare
nothing towards a full and complete equipment for herself and Gertrude."

"He speaks of Gertrude," said Isabel, sneeringly, "as if she were one of
the family. I'm sure I don't see any very great prospect of pleasure in
travelling all through Europe with a blind woman, and her disagreeable
appendages; I can't think what Mr. Graham wants to take them for."

"I wish he would leave them at home," said Mrs. Graham; "it would be a
good punishment for Gertrude. But, mercy! he would as soon think of
going without his right hand as without Emily."

"I hope, if ever I'm married," exclaimed Isabel, "it won't be to a man
that's got a blind daughter! Such a dreadful good person, too, whom
everybody has got to worship, and admire, and wait upon!"

"I don't have to wait upon her," said Mrs. Graham; "that's Gertrude's
business--it's what she's going for."

"That's the worst of it; a blind girl has to have a waiting-maid, and a
waiting-maid is a great lady, who doesn't mind cheating your nieces out
of their lovers, and even robbing them of each other's affection."

"Well, what can I do, Belle? I'm sure I don't want Gertrude's company
any more than you do; but I don't see how I can get rid of her."

"I should think you'd tell Mr. Graham some of the harm she's done
already. If you have any influence over him, you might prevent her
going."

"It would be no more than she deserves," said Mrs. Graham; "and I may
give him a hint of her behaviour; he'll be surprised enough when he
hears of Bruce's sudden flight. I knew he thought it would be a match
between him and Kitty."

As Isabel descended the staircase, to meet with smiles and compliments
the guests whom in her heart she wished a thousand miles away on this
intensely hot afternoon, Gertrude came up from the kitchen, and passed
along a passage to her own room. She carried, over one arm, a dress of
white muslin, and a number of collars, sleeves, and ruffles, with other
articles fresh from the ironing-board. Her face was heated; she looked
tired, and, as she reached her room, and deposited her burden upon the
bed, she drew a long breath, as if fatigued, seated herself by a
window, br