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 delightful, and she keenly felt, too, the possibility of benefitting some of her favourite protégées. Mrs. Thomson's case was considered and relieved, an asylum procured for a young crippled orphan, and "Clara" as the dignified friend was called by Lady Chester, said she had heard much from the poor patients of Miss Hopkinson's assiduity in visiting and reading to them, and how they enjoyed hearing her and her sister sing.

"Oh, do you sing?" exclaimed Blanche, "I have not heard a song for ages, you must give me one."

"You would not call mine singing, Lady Chester," said Janet, smiling, "my sister and I have had very little instruction, and have scarcely ever heard any real music; but we have taught ourselves a few chants and hymns, and some old fashioned ballads, which please our poor sick friends, but I doubt if they would please anybody else. We moved our pianoforte into the back room when you came here, for fear our noise should disturb you."