48 AN EVENING AT HOME.

 

of your being left here all alone had suffi-
cient influence over me to keep me away.”

“Indeed! Well, I must say you are
kind,” Edward returned, with feeling. The
self-sacrificing act of his sister had touched
him sensibly.

Both Helen and her brother played well.
She upon the harp and piano, and he upon
the flute and violin. Both were fond of
music, and practised and played frequently
together. Part of the evening was spent in
this way, much to the satisfaction of each.
Then an hour passed in reading and econ-
versation, after which music was again re-
sorted to. Thus lapsed the time pleasantly
until the hour for retiring came, when they
separated, both with an internal feeling of
pleasure more delightful than they had ex-
perienced for a long time. It was nearly
three o'clock before Mr. and Mrs. Lindley,
and the daughter who had accompanied
them to the ball, came home. Hours be-
fore, the senses of both Edward and Helen
had been locked in forgetfulness.