AN EVENING AT HOME. 4T

 

of his sister. He was in his own room,
dressing to go out, and supposed, when he
heard the carriage drive from the door,
that Helen had gone with the other mem-
bers of the family. On descending to the
’ parlour, he was surprised to find her sitting
by the centre table, with a book in her
hand.

“Helen! Is this you! I thought you had
gone to the ball. Are you not well?” he
said quickly and with surprise, coming up
to her side.

Looking into her brother’s face with a
smile of sisterly regard, Helen replied, “I
have concluded to stay at home this even-
ing. Iam going to keep you company.”

“Are you, indeed! Right glad am Iof
it! though I am sorry you have deprived
yourself of the pleasure of this ball, which,
T believe, is to be a very brilliant one. I
was just going out, because it is so dull at
home when you are all away.”

“Tam not particularly desirous of going
to the ball. So little so, that the thought