Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/269

Rh given in honour of the visitor. The important day of the heiress's arrival at last came, the whole house was in a commotion, for Mrs. Bennett, like all vulgar minded people, delighted in bustle.

Fanny soon heard enough from the maid who attended the children to be nearly sure that the visitor was the little Emmeline who had been her pet at school, and her heart warmed at the thought of seeing a friend. But the hope was vain, for Miss Elphinstone never came near her. A week passed, and it was now the night of the ball, and the courted and flattered heiress had never found a single moment to bestow on her former kind friend. Fanny felt the neglect bitterly, a single affectionate word would have been such a happiness to one so lonely.

It was late, and she sat down by the heavy iron fender in the school-room. All around her was life and gaiety, she could hear the perpetual rattle of the carriages, and the prolonged knocks at the door, while nearer still came the sound of the music. She could distinguish a favourite