tired; and I could not help thinking, and, when I think, I can't
attend to my work." She stopped, believing she had sufficiently
explained her meaning; but Mrs. Mason would not understand, and
did not wish for any further elucidation.

"Well, my dear, you must learn to think and work, too; or, if you
can't do both, you must leave off thinking. Your guardian, you
know, expects you to make great progress in your business, and I
am sure you won't disappoint him."

But that was not to the point. Ruth stood still an instant,
although Mrs. Mason resumed her employment in a manner which any
one but a "new girl" would have known to be intelligible enough,
that she did not wish for any more conversation just then.

"But as I was not diligent I ought not to go, ma'am. Miss Wood
was far more industrious than I, and many of the others."

"Tiresome girl!" muttered Mrs. Mason; "I've half a mind to keep
her at home for plaguing me so." But, looking up, she was struck
afresh with the remarkable beauty which Ruth possessed; such a
credit to the house, with her waving outline of figure, her
striking face, with dark eyebrows and dark lashes, combined with
auburn hair and a fair complexion. No! diligent or idle, Ruth
Hilton must appear to-night.

"Miss Hilton," said Mrs. Mason, with stiff dignity "I am not
accustomed (as these young ladies can tell you) to have my
decisions questioned. What I say, I mean; and I have my reasons.
So sit down, if you please, and take care and be ready by eight.