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204
FRANCES BEAUMONT.

sent," exclaimed the child, eager to proclaim the name of her benefactor.

"I now understand why Miss Beaumont could not afford white crape," remarked Miss Aiken.

"It is just like her," replied the teacher. Fanny's own toilette was hurried, all important as was the day, by the information that her cousin Mr. Beaumont was waiting to see her in the parlour. Fanny hastily smoothed back her beautiful ringlets, and, without even a last look at the glass to judge of the general effect, hurried down stairs. Mr. Beaumont was a lad of about nineteen, but his sailor's dress made him look still younger.

"How glad I am to see you," exclaimed she on entering the room, "you are come just in time to dance with me to-night. I shall see how well you remember my lessons."

"Nay," replied her cousin, "I should be very sorry to bring you to shame with my awkwardness, though I remember one part of your lessons very well, namely your patience; but I am only come to bid you good bye."