PAYING THE RENT. 165

Mr. Cramer opened a splendid writing-desk,
on the table by which he was sitting, and wrote
the receipt.

Bessie, meantime, walked across the room to
Ada, who sat trembling in a comer, and
said to her in a whisper :

“Tet us go out in the shed; I’ve brought
you some flowers.”

“In the shed? Where is that ?”

* Out there, in the front of the house.”

Ada went to her mother and asked per-
mission to go into the piazza with Bessie.

‘No, my dear, I do not choose you should
go; take your seat.” |

“But the poor little girl has brought me
those flowers from her own garden.”

“Your papa would not like you to go. Sit
down by me.”

Mr. Starr suspected the whole truth; and to
relieve Bessie, stepped to her side, and taking
her by the hand, said: |

“ Let us walk in the piazza awhile, till your
brother has finished his business.”

At this George giggled out, in a most uncivil
manner.