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reciprocating between herself and her young friends, that gave new beauty to her countenance, and new spirit to her existence.
When the visitors rose to be gone, "I cannot tell you, Miss Ellis," said Lady Aurora, "how happy I shall be to cultivate your acquaintance. Will you give me leave to call upon you for half an hour to morrow?"
Ellis, with trembling pleasure, cast a fearful glance at Mrs. Maple, who hastily turned her head another way. Ellis then gratefully acceded to the proposal.
"Miss Ellis, I hope," said Mrs. Howel, in taking leave, "will permit me, also, to have some share of her society, when I have the honour to receive her at Brighthelmstone."
Ellis, touched, enchanted, could attempt no reply beyond a courtesy, and stole, with a full heart, and eyes overflowing, to her chamber, the instant that they left the house.
Mrs. Maple was now in a dilemma which she would have deemed terrible
