She had very dark chestnut hair, and mild blue eyes, and a round, full face, which, in expression, was sweetness itself.
She was about six years old, and her brother's junior by an equal number of years.
Her mother loved her, but thought her tame and spiritless in her disposition; and her father cherished as much affection for her as he was capable of feeling for any one but himself.
Mrs.Stevens, however, doted on their eldest hope, who was as disagreeable as a thoroughly spoiled and naturally evil-disposed boy could be.
As the evenings had now become quite warm, Mr.Garie frequently took a chair and enjoyed his evening cigar upon the door-step of his house; and as Mr.Stevens thought his steps equally suited to this purpose, it was very natural he should resort there with the same object.
Mr.Stevens found no difficulty in frequently bringing about short neighbourly conversations with Mr.Garie.The little folk, taking their cue from their parents, soon became intimate, and ran in and out of each other's houses in the most familiar manner possible.

Lizzy Stevens and little Em joined hearts immediately, and their intimacy had already been cemented by frequent consultations on the various ailments wherewith they supposed their dolls afflicted.
Clarence got on only tolerably with George Stevens; he entertained for him that deference that one boy always has for another who is his superior in any boyish pastime; but there was little affection lost between them--they cared very little for each other's society.
Mrs.Garie, since her arrival, had been much confined to her room, in consequence of her protracted indisposition.

Mrs.Stevens had several times intimated to Mr.Garie her intention of paying his wife a visit; but never having received any very decided encouragement, she had not pressed the matter, though her curiosity was aroused, and she was desirous of seeing what kind of person Mrs.Garie could be.
Her son George in his visits had never been permitted farther than the front parlour; and all the information that could be drawn from little Lizzy, who was frequently in Mrs.Garie's bedroom, was that "she was a pretty lady, with great large eyes." One evening, when Mr.Garie was occupying his accustomed seat, he was accosted from the other side by Mrs.
Stevens, who, as usual, was very particular in her inquiries after the state of his wife's health; and on learning that she was so much improved as to be down-stairs, suggested that, perhaps, she would be willing to receive her.
"No doubt she will," rejoined Mr.Garie; and he immediately entered the house to announce the intended visit.

The lamps were not lighted when Mrs.
Stevens was introduced, and faces could not, therefore, be clearly distinguished.
"My dear," said Mr.Garie, "this is our neighbour, Mrs.Stevens." "Will you excuse me for not rising ?" said Mrs.Garie, extending her hand to her visitor.

"I have been quite ill, or I should have been most happy to have received you before.