“Oh, Winnie! how could you do so?  I know your mother would not wish you to appear in public with Mr. Montague!  Not but that he may be worthy of attention, but he is the same as a stranger to us, for your father has known him but a little while, and I noticed that your mother appeared uneasy when he called last, for he has made us frequent visits, on so short an acquaintance.”

“You do not surely suppose that my father would introduce any one into his family, who is not a fit associate for his daughter?” retorted Winnie, her face flushing with excitement.

“No, I do not think so; but you would not go without consulting your mother’s wishes?”

“And why not?  Mother will never be the wiser for it, and I cannot see that she can reasonably object; besides, am I always to be a child?  I must some time or other act for myself.”

“Dear Winnie, do not talk so!  You have one of the best of mothers, and she will not deprive you of any pleasure, unless it is for your own good.  But do not be displeased with me for speaking my thoughts, for I love you as a sister, and cannot bear to have you do anything that would not be right.”

Winnie was about to give way to those passions which an indulged child invariably possesses, and being naturally of a very sensitive nature, she could not sit easy under those opinions from others, which were in opposition to her own views, and trembling with rage, she turned to the Sea-flower,—­but the fire of her eye was subdued, her tongue did not give utterance to the bitter, cruel words, which would have sounded so strangely upon an ear that had never known such tones! she gave one look at the gentle, submissive face of the Sea-flower, and burst into tears. Such tears, from the high-spirited Winnie Santon, was a strange sight.  Her proud, rebellious spirit had for once been conquered, and what was not such a lesson worth?

“O, Natalie!” she exclaimed, “how I wish I could be like you!  I was just upon the point of saying what I know I should have repented!  I am so glad you have come to be with us!”

Nothing more was said about going to hear Madame Forresti, but when evening came, Winnie, after leaving a message with Biddy for Mr. Montague, that she must be excused, sought her mother’s room, where she found Sea-flower, who was reading to the invalid, and the rich tones of her voice conveyed far more happiness to her heart, than would have been hers, had she listened to the far-famed songstress, with a conscience speaking of undutifulness.  Natalie was reading from the “Christian’s Hope,” and as she read, ever and anon cast her eye toward Winnie, who appeared unusually thoughtful.  The nervous state, however, of Mrs. Santon would admit of but little excitement, and as Natalie closed her book, and rose to bid her good-night, she observed that she looked unusually happy, and taking her dear children by the hand, she thanked them tenderly for their devoted attention to her, and drawing close to