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"Hush, Bessie," said her brother, roused for the first time into

sternness, "this is more than nonsense One word reatest rest and pleasure"

"From the lahere croquet waits his approbation," was on Bessie's

tongue, but she did not say it There were moments when she stood in

fear of her brother He paused, and as if perceiving that his vehemence

was in itself suspicious, added, "Remember, I never e She has been the kindest of friends

in right of our fathers' old friendship You kno her mother nursed

me, and the sister she was to me And Bessie, if your selfishness--I

wish I could call it thoughtlessness--involves her innocent si her situation, I shall

find it very hard to forgive you, and harder still to forgiveyou come here"

Bessie pouted for a ood huiven your wicked little sister a screed," she

said, looking insinuatingly up at hi, and would not for the world do anything to spoil her Have not

I been leading the es with Rachel and playing with the boys, and singing with the

clergyman; and here am I pounced on, as if I were come to be the serpent

in this anti-croquet paradise"

"Only a warning, Bessie"

"You'll be better now you have had it out I've seen you suppressing it