“Why, so it is!” echoed a chorus of voices.

“Miss Graystone, I did not expect that a person occupying your elevated position in this community, would set such a ruinous example.  A teacher of youth should look to the cultivation of the mind, not to the outward adorning of the person.”  Mrs. Dr. Little sailed away from the little group in as dignified a manner as a lady of nearly two hundred avoirdupois could be expected to do, as she threw in this remark.

There was a momentary silence, broken by the irrepressible Mrs. Wynn.  “What is that, a locket?” she asked, with a little scream of surprise.  “Is it real gold?  Let me see it, child!” She grasped it from the neck of the frightened little one.  “Oh, its yours,” she said in a disappointed tone.  She had evidently expected some other face than the one that looked smilingly up; the very counterpart of the girl who stood before her, regarding her with a bewildered look.  “Sinful!” she ejaculated, “as well as extravagant, to put such ideas into that young one’s head.  She’ll have a watch next, and a new silk dress.  I fear for the morals of this village.  Miss Graystone, I expected better things of you.  I feel it my duty to warn you solemnly, that if you go on in this way, you may lose your position and the confidence of the respectable portion of this community.”

There was such a strong emphasis on the word “respectable,” that Clemence’s face flushed with indignant astonishment.

“At least, madam,” she said, in a tone of dignified reproof, “I have sufficient sense of propriety to remember that this is no place in which to discuss such subjects.  I have not forgotten to respect the Sabbath.  Come dear,” more gently to Ruth.

“Whew!” said Mrs. Wynn, looking after her in blank amazement; “If I ain’t teetotally constonished, and clean put out, like a tallow dip under an extinguisher, by my fine young schoolmistress.  You heard that, I suppose, Betsey Pryor?”

“Oh! of course I heard it,” said that piece of antiquity, with a spiteful laugh, “and I hope now you are beginning to see through your model young lady.  Didn’t I tell you there was something behind that innocent face?  ‘Still water runs deep.’  I knew she was a cute one.  I ain’t lived to for—­to my age, if I ain’t the oldest person in the world, and not know something of human nature.  I pity your want of penetration, Mrs. Wynn.  Massy! just look through that window!”

There was a general rush to that side of the room indicated by Miss Pryor, and they were rewarded for the effort with a fresh theme for gossip.

“Good gracious, Rose, look!” almost shrieked Mrs. Wynn, “there they go with Mr. Strain.  Ain’t that style now?  Come away, Rose, with me, this minute.  My conscience won’t allow me to pass over this chance.  There is yet time to warn Clemence Graystone, and turn her from the path of destruction.  I am a virtuous matron, and I must use what influence I possess to save others from evil communications.  I will even forgive that girl for the indignity offered to me this day, in public, if it is necessary to save her from misery.  Her heart must be melted by Christian love and forbearance.  Hasten, Rose, and we will overtake them.”