Page:Orange Grove.djvu/156

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and sprightly conversation which won all hearts. The self reliance that imparted such graceful mien and dignified bearing bore no trace of self-conceit, and the ease with which she mingled with all classes left no room for the disaffection of any.

Walter would have been exceedingly gratified to see a friendship springing up between her and Rosalind, thinking it might prove beneficial to the latter besides getting her interested in something that would employ her mind profitably. With great regret he observed her apathy, and the inutility of every effort to arouse her from it. As the time was drawing near when he was to leave home for college, she was a source of great anxiety. Never having been separated he feared she would become still more exclusive when deprived of his influence and society. Though little disposed to talk upon the subject he could see that the thought of the separation already depressed her spirits.

Another member of the Benevolent Association, without which no city can be perfect, was Mrs. Frizzlewit. She formed a sort of connecting link between high and low, rich and poor, an indispensable element in the successful prosecution of an enterprise of this character. She and Grace Blanche were opposites in every thing, yet both filled their respective places, and, by being united, universal harmony prevailed, for no one would have the presumption to hazard the alienation of the queenly Miss Blanche. Youth and beauty, it is useless to deny, wield a sovereignty far more potent than their subjects dream, and when