Old Hannah stood in the background and when the three pretty sisters came into the room they were surrounded by eager and loving faces, and were most warmly welcomed.
Mrs.Ellsworthy, it is true, still appeared much agitated; she had an intense longing to take Jasmine in her arms and cry over her, but she had, of course, too much sense to do anything so unsuitable and silly.
The girls were asked to sit down, and Mr.Ellsworthy, who had been elected spokesman, stood up, cleared his throat, and looked at his wife.

Twice he made an attempt at utterance; finally he said in a voice which trembled--"My dear, I can't manage it--you had better do it yourself." "I presume you are addressing me, Joseph," said Mrs.Ellsworthy.
"I--I--this is unexpected; but anything to get it over.

My dear girls, you have come here to-day to hear what we have arranged for you.

We felt you could not go on as you have been doing." "Impossible," here interrupted Mr.Danesfield.

"They were the victims of thieves and rogues.