What does it all mean ?" She soon found out what it all meant, for Berintha entered the room in high spirits.

Kissing Lizzie, she next advanced toward Lucy, saying, "You didn't expect me, I know; but this morning was so warm and thawing that John said he knew the sleighing would all be gone by Saturday, so I concluded to come to-day." Lucy was too angry to reply, and rushing from the room, she closed the door after her, with a force which fairly made the windows rattle.
Berintha looked inquiringly at Lizzie, who felt inadequate to an explanation; so Berintha knew nothing of the matter until she descended to the kitchen, and there learned the whole.

Now, if Lucy had treated her cousin politely and good-naturedly, she would have saved herself much annoyance, but on the contrary, she told her that she was neither expected nor wanted there; that parties were never intended for "such old things;" and that now she was there, she hoped she would stay in her own room, unless she should happen to be wanted to wait on the table! This speech, of course, exasperated Berintha, but she made no reply, although there was on her face a look of quiet determination, which Lucy mistook for tacit acquiescence in her proposal.
Five--six--seven--eight--struck the little brass clock, and no one had come except old Dr.Benton, who, being a widower and an intimate friend of the family, was invited, as Lucy said, for the purpose of beauing grandma! Lizzie, in crimson double-gown, and soft, warm shawl, was reclining on the sofa in the parlor, the old doctor muttering about carelessness, heated rooms, late hours, etc.

Grandma, in rich black silk and plain Quaker cap, was hovering near her favorite child, asking continually if she were too hot, or too cold or too tired, while Lucy, in white muslin dress and flowing curls, flitted hither and thither, fretting at the servants, or ordering grandma, and occasionally tapping her sister's pale cheek, to see if she could not coax some color into it.
"You'll live to see it whiter still," said the doctor, who was indignant at finding his patient down-stairs.
And where all this time was Berintha?
The doctor asked this question, and Lucy asked this question, while Lizzie replied, that "she was in her room." "And I hope to goodness she'll stay there," said Lucy.
Dr.Benton's gray eyes fastened upon the amiable young lady, who, by way of explanation, proceeded to relate her maneuvers for keeping "the old maid" from the party.
We believe we have omitted to say that Lucy had some well-founded hopes of being one day, together with her sister, heiress of Dr.
Benton's property, which was considerable.

He was a widower, and had no relatives.