Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/38

32 colour than her sister, and on all occasions was the one who rather took the lead, and encouraged her shy and timid sister. It was a touching thing to witness the entire affection of the orphans. They were never apart; their little stools were always drawn close together; if they were running in the garden, the shadow of the one was sure to fall on that of the other. If the one read, the other was at her side, reading from the same page; and at night each fell asleep in the other's arms. Though equally generous, and affectionate, both had warm tempers, yet a word almost would subdue them into penitence and tears; still that anger was never turned on each other; from their birth they had never had a dispute; everything that they had was in common; and any thing given to Julia was sure to be shared with Ellen; and Ellen, in her turn, was as ready to divide with Julia.

Tea was ready almost as soon as they entered the room; but there was obviously a weight on Mrs. Whyte's spirits, and the cakes and