The cap, despite its faded ribbons carefully pressed out but with too cold an iron, gave her an old-time fashionable air which for the moment created the impression that she might have been a beauty and a belle in her early days, which I afterward discovered to be true.
It was Miss Thankful, however, who had the personal presence, and it was she who now expressed their sense of the honor, pushing forward another chair than that from which I had risen, with the remark: "Take this, I pray.

Many an honored guest has occupied this seat.

Let us see you in it." I could detect no difference between the one she offered and the one in which I had just sat, but I at once stepped forward and took the chair she proffered.

She bowed and Miss Charity bowed, and then they seated themselves side by side on the hair-cloth sofa, which was the only other article of furniture in the room.
"We are--we are preparing to move," stammered Miss Charity, a faint flush tingeing her faded cheeks, as she caught the involuntary glance I had cast about me.
Miss Thankful bridled and gave her sister a look of open rebuke.

She had, as one could instantly see from her strong features and purposeful ways, been a woman of decided parts and of strict, upright character.
Weakened as she was, the shadow of an untruth disturbed her.