or were afflicted with “bad colds.”  But it so happened that several young ladies who at the first begged to be excused, after much persuasion allowed themselves to be conducted to the piano, and played till it was evident from the manner of many that the music had become an infliction instead of a pleasure.  When after a time Miss Ashton was invited to play, she took the vacant seat at the piano without any of the usual apologies; and began playing the prelude to a much admired song of the day; and before she reached the close of the first verse there was a hush through the room, and the countenance of each evinced the pleasure with which they listened to her performance.  As she rose from the instrument Dr. Winthrop addressed Miss Carlton, saying:  “Can you inform me who is that young lady?  I never met her before; but she has favored us with the first real music I have listened to this evening.”  The young physician was not wanting in politeness, and he certainly must have forgotten that Miss Carlton occupied the seat at the piano a short time before.  That young lady colored with anger as she replied:  “Her name is Miss Ashton, and I understand she is engaged as an assistant teacher in one of the Academies in the city.”  “It is singular,” replied Dr. Winthrop, “that I have never before met her at any of the numerous parties I have attended during the past year.”  “There is nothing very singular in that,” replied Miss Carlton, “for I presume she is not often invited to fashionable parties, and I suppose it is owing to Mrs. Milford’s two little girls being her pupils that we find her among their guests; but as you seem so much interested, I will tell you all I know of the person in question.  When I attended school at Rockford, Miss Ashton was a pupil in the same institution; but, when I learned that her mother, who is a widow, took in sewing, to pay her school bills, I did not care to cultivate her acquaintance.  She left school about the same time with myself, and I heard no more of her till she obtained a situation in this city.”  “Pardon me,” replied the young physician; “but I see nothing in what you have stated that is in the least disparaging to the young lady; and I should be much pleased to make her acquaintance.”  “Our ideas slightly vary in these matters,” replied Miss Carlton, with a haughty toss of her head; “but I will not detain you from seeking the introduction for which you seem so anxious.  I am sorry I cannot oblige you by introducing you myself; but as I did not associate with her when at school, I am still less inclined to do so at the present time; I hope, however, you may find her an agreeable acquaintance;” and with a haughty manner she swept from his side in quest of companions whose tastes were more congenial.  Dr. Winthrop obtained the desired introduction; and if Miss Carlton indulged the hope that he would find Miss Ashton an agreeable acquaintance, there was soon a fair prospect that her wishes would be realized;