No sooner had Annie and Susie made acquaintance with some of the children
in the neighbourhood than they began to make frequent visits at Mr. Allis's
house. Both father and mother thought it desirable that the little girls
should associate with other children; but they dreaded the effect of so
much society and so many new influences on the hearts of the little girls.
More than this: there were some among those that visited them frequently,
who seemed to be almost any thing but desirable companions for the
children. Once or twice Mrs. Allis had observed something in the manners
and conversation of Jane Smith which led her to suspect that she was a bad
girl. Accordingly, she told Annie and Susie that she wished they would, as
much as possible, avoid her society. Notwithstanding all she could say,
however, Jane was often at the house; and the children became very fond of
her. She could tell so many interesting stories and say so many witty
things, and had so much to communicate that was new to them, that they
seemed almost fascinated by her.
One Saturday afternoon Mrs. Allis was unusually busy, and Jane came to pay
another visit. In spite of her cares, she, however, contrived to find
amusement for the girls in her own presence. After tea, Jane took her
bonnet to go home, and Susie begged permission to walk a short distance
with her, to gather prairie-flowers. Mrs. Allis hesitated, but at length
gave her consent, specifying the distance which she might go.