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THE SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE.

"Dear Miss Hopkinson, what a gift that voice of yours is; it would be so kind if you would let us come sometimes and hear you and your sister practice. Is her singing equal to yours?"

"Rose sings much better than I do," said Janet simply, "and if you really think it would amuse you, and are not saying these kind things merely to please me, I am sure we should both be delighted to come and sing to you whenever you like. We are expecting dear papa home next month," she added, her eyes sparkling with delight, "and he is so fond of all these old ballads, that we are very musical just now. If you have nothing more to ask about the hospital, Lady Chester, I should like to go there now, to tell Mrs. Thompson and Ellen Smith what will make them so happy; and I will just run first into the garden, and send little Charlie home, I cannot tell you how much mamma feels your kindness to our poor little darling."

"He is a darling," said Blanche.

"And a great pet of mine," added Clara.