Beta Book

"
"Do you miss us?"
"Oh yes, indeed!"
Miss Lavinia cleared her throat, and began to revolve her address to
be delivered.
"You do not see us very often, Redbud," she said,--"I mean myself and
your father--but from what I have heard this morning, that young man
Verty still visits you."
Redbud colored, and did not reply.
Miss Lavinia's face assumed an expression of mingled severity and
dignity, and she said to the girl:
"Redbud, I am sorry you do not observe the advice I gave you,--of
course, I have no right to command you, and you are now growing old
enough to act for yourself in these things. You are nearly seventeen,
and are growing to be a woman. But I fear you are deficient in
resolution, and still encourage the visits of this young man."
Poor Redbud was silent--she could not deny the accusation.
Miss Lavinia looked at her with grim affection, and said:
"I hope, Redbud, that, in future, you will be more careful. I am sorry
to be compelled to say it--but Verty is not a proper person for you
to remain upon such intimate and confidential terms with.


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