Oh, what a delightful plan it is! and how picturesque I shall feel with my girls! Joseph, did you ever see a brighter or more bewitching little soul than our Jasmine ?" "Our Jasmine ?" repeated Mr.Ellsworthy; "she is by no means ours yet, my love.

Well, I trust your plan will succeed--they are nice girls, and I like to feel I am doing a kindness to poor Mainwaring's daughters.

I shall be very pleased indeed if they make your life any happier, Kate." Mrs.Ellsworthy stooped down and kissed her husband's brow--she was all impatience for the morning to arrive, for surely early then would come an answer to the letter she had written.
But Mrs.Ellsworthy was doomed to disappointment.

The next day brought no answer from the Mainwaring girls.

The good little lady bore her suspense as best she could until noon, then she ordered her carriage and drove into the village.
Jasmine herself opened the cottage door for her.