The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-06-24
CHAPTER /.
BY MRS. NJ. 4. E. RIPLEY.

"Ellen you will not know your lesson to-
day, the rate you are studying"
The words were addressed to little,
pale girl, who sat lstlessly holding her
book, while her eyes were fixed on the
green shrubbery which she could plainly
sec from the open window. A deep glow
spread itself over the sallow cheek as her
head bent to the task.
Mamma" whispered Alice, who was
sitting near her mother, engaged in copy
ing corrected French exercise, 81 think
cousin Ellen has one of her bad headaches
to-day"
The mother did not answer, but while
apparently engrossed in Carries efforts to
overcome the difficulties of the first lesson
in her reader, she attentively watched
Ellen. The child seemed studying, then
pressed her hand hard over her temples,
gave weary sigh, and again the book
went down, and clasping her hands tightly
together her gaze wandered away down the
shady avenue, till fixing itself on some dis
tant object, she sat unconscious of all her
surroundings.
She was startled into consciousness
again, by her book falling from her lap,
and STOPPING hastily, she lifted it, while
she cast frightened look at Mrs. Grey.
"Is your head aching Ellen ?'' the lady
asked gently.
"No ma'am, replied the girl, hesitating
ly.
"Do you know your lesson ?" asked her
aunt, the tono of her voice involuntarily
changing to slight severity.
"No ma am" half whispered Ellen.
81 give you ten minutes MORE" said
Mrs. Grey, looking at her watch, eff you
are not prepared then, you must go with
me to the library"
There was severe decision in her voice,
as again the lady bent to the little one at
her side. Again the sallow check flushed,
and the head bent to the book. This time
| the eyes were not removed, and at tho eqpi-
ration of ten minutes, Ellen was called
upon to rocite. The recitation proved a
total failure.
cit is as expected, Ellen, these idle,
careless habits must be overcome. 1t is
painful for me to discipline you, and that I
| do it for your good. You can go, children,
she continued, turning to Alice and Carrie,
who were neatly arranging their books,
Sand you also, Bertie," she said, speaking
| to boy at distant table. "You can go
and meet Roland and Eddie, they will soon
be home now"
! Alice cast a lingering look at Ellen, as
she stood pale and quiet before Mrs. Grey
Carrie whispered as she passed her
mother, "Please, mamma, let Ellen go?"
a shake of the head being the only reply,
while BERTHE, after arranging his desk,
came forward with troubled look on his
face.
"Mamma," said he elf you will permit
me, would rather stay and assist Cousin
Ellen with her lesson, tho boys will soon
DO home now" he said, CHANGING at the
clock, $50 will not mind much" he con-
tinued, as if in reply to Ellcn's deprecatory
shake of the head.
Every we'll, my son." replyed Mrs Grey,
an unconscious wearines in her tone. eco
to the library with Ellen. will be with
you in few Moments
The children left tho room, and Mrs.
Grey's head sank on her hands. She re-
manned in this position for several moment
when at length her head was lifted, the
weary look had left the face, but in its place
there was one of care and perplexity.
"What shall do" she more than once
murmured, then rising, she followed the
children to the library. She met BERTHE in
the passage.
"Did you succeed in assisting Ellen, my
son she asked chccrfully.
"No, mother, she said she preferred
studying alone; and after trying in vain tt
persuade her to let me at least go over thu
lesson with her, l left her. "But, mother,
he said, as the look Of perplcxity deepenet
upon his face, edo not worry about her.
I do not think you ought to punish your
self because she is so naughty. Come and
walk out little, it will help YOU"
"Thank you darling" said Mrs. Grey,
STOPPING and kissing the upturned face.
81 will go to Ellen now-if she were suf
fering, l could better understand it, bu
day after day, these omissions occur, and
have INDUCED her till indulgence has ccaset
to be virtue"
81 must, she said, COMPRISING her lips
and striving to speak calmly, 81 must tr.
severcr measures. But go, and enjoy your
self, my boy; in furnishing the guilty, DE-
} not wish to mar tho pleasure of the limo
cent"
: Tho child moved slowly away, after Civ
ing his mother pleading look, and as sh
entered the room, Ellen was in tho act @
rising from the sofa where she had throw
herself before her aunt's entrance.
Her book lay Oh the floor by her side.