CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XV.
Though it was two minutes and a half past the time named for dinner whenAgnes made her appearance, she found her aunt's temper very slightlyacerbated by the delay, for the delightful recollections of her morningexpedition still endured, and she was more inclined to boast than toscold.
"Well, Agnes, I hope at last I have some news that will please you," shesaid. "What think you of my having subscribed for us both for sixweeks?"
"Subscribed for what, aunt? ... to the library?"
"Yes; I have subscribed there, too, for a month ... and we must goevery day, rain or shine, to make it answer. But I have done a good dealmore than that for you, my dear; I have subscribed to the balls entirelyfor your sake, Agnes: and whatever becomes of you in future life, Itrust you will never forget all I have done for you now."
"But I am afraid, aunt, it will cost you a great deal of money to takeme with you to the balls; and as I have never been yet, I cannot knowanything about it, you know; and I do assure you that I shall not at allmind being left at home."
"And a pretty story that would make, wouldn't it?... I tell you, child,I have paid the money already ... and here are the cutlets; so sitdown, and be thankful for all my kindness to you.... Is my beer come,Jerningham?"
Agnes sat down, and began eating her cutlet; but it was thoughtfully,for there were cares that rested heavily upon her heart; and though theywere certainly of a minor species, she must be forgiven if at sixteenand a half they were sufficient to perplex her sorely. She had neithershoes nor gloves fit to appear at a ball. She dared not ask for them,she dared not go without them, and she dared not refuse to go at all.
"This certainly is the most beautiful place I ever saw in my life!" saidthe widow, while renewing her attack upon the dish of cutlets; "suchshops!... such a milliner! and, as for the library, its perfectly likegoing into public! What an advantage it is every morning of one's lifeto be able to go to such a place as that! Elizabeth Peters seemed toknow everybody; and I heard them talking of people of the highestfashion, as some of those we are sure to meet at the ball. What animmense advantage it is fo