play, and how you used to sit beside the piano? I am sure you will be such good children, and when you come back you will have so many things to tell us."
"Ah but," replied Julia, in a voice choaked with sobs, "I am going without Ellen."
"I am to stay," continued Ellen, in an equally inaudible tone, "at home, for our new Mamma to teach." For once, Eda had not a word to say. She clasped the children in her arms, and, unable to conceal her emotion, wept over them bitterly. She knew the devoted affection of the twins to each other, and to part them seemed refinement in cruelty. As to Ellen, she trembled to think of the teaching in preparation. It was dreadful to think how her poor spirit would be checked, and her young temper embittered by the perpetual harshness and undue expectations of Mrs. Dalton. Julia might do well, she was a quick and clever child, while her generous and affectionate temper would surely win its own way, and make friends for itself. But poor Ellen, whatever she did,
