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74 day after dinner, Mr. Dalton first divided some preserve between Julia and Ellen, though his wife observed "that an apple would be much more wholesome," and while the fruit was eatingeaten [sic] he said "We have been seeing some such nice little girls to-day. One of them is not so tall as you, Ellen, and she can play very prettily on the piano. Should not you like to play too!"

"Oh, yes," exclaimed both the children in a breath.

"You are growing great girls now, and you must not be idle all day; you have a great deal to learn before you."

"We like to learn," said Julia, encouraged by her father's manner, "we say our lessons to Eda every day."

Mr. Dalton smiled, and added, "But young ladies have a great deal more to learn than poor Eda can teach them. Would you not like to have some young friends, and to know how to dance, and to paint pictures?"

"Yes," exclaimed Julia, colouring with delight.