'Why, Lizzie,' said Mrs. Woodbourne, with a smile, 'you must be wild
to-day; you have brought me the account-book instead of--But, my dear
child, what is the matter?' said she, perceiving that Elizabeth's
face was scarlet, and her eyes full of tears.
'I will tell you presently,' whispered Elizabeth, breathlessly, 'when
you have done.' She darted away again, and returned with the right
book; but Mrs, Woodbourne was too much alarmed by her manner to spend
another moment in giving directions to the cook, and instantly
followed her to her own room. Elizabeth hastily shut the door, and
sat down to recover her breath.
'My dear Lizzie, there is nothing amiss with any of the--' exclaimed
Mrs. Woodbourne, almost gasping for breath.
'Oh no, Mamma,' said Elizabeth, a smile passing over her face in
spite of her distress, 'it is not Winifred who is mad. It is I who
have been more mad and foolish and self-willed than you would ever
believe. Mamma, I have been with Mrs. Turner to the Mechanics'
Institute.'
'My dear Lizzie, you do not mean it!' said Mrs.
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