An Unpleasant Companion. 103

"Go to sleep directly, and let me hear no
more music."
 "Well, I'm sure, Annie, you needn't talk!"
replied Lucy; "we have only been whisper-
ing quietly to ourselves; and you and Mary
Hetton have been talking and laughing quite
loud almost ever since Miss Thompson went.
You are always finding fault with me!"
 "Of course I am," retorted Annie. "A
little chit like you, indeed! I should think
I might scold you without your speaking so
to your elders I "
 "Oh, Lucy," implored Edith, in a low
voice, "pray, don't answer her; never mind
what she says. Leave her alone, there's a
dear, or you will have a regular quarrel."
 Lucy had sense enough to profit by this
advice; and when Annie found she was no
longer heeded, she soon left off her disagree-
able remarks. Lucy and Edith's conversa-
tion was, however, effectually put an end to;
but it was very gratifying to the latter to
observe that it was acted upon; and from
that time a bond of union sprang up between
the children which was of material service to
Lucy afterwards.
 "Edith," said Annie, one day, as they were
dressing for dinner, do you like jam ?"