Of the charming owner of the fortune, you mean. understand why you should care so much for money.'

I can't

'But I do,' he said. As for the girl, she's well enough. But so is every girl. I suppose of the girls in the world sixty per cent. are nice girls, as they call them, and for all the difference there is between them you might toss up.'

And it was to this selfish monster that my fair and interesting friend was about to give herself! What could be over her? An infatuation? Well, I was just come in time. I answered him coldly, 'I would keep those opinions to myself. They will not gain you respect.'

'Pooh!' he said contemptuously, 'you don't know the world.' 'Perhaps not. Perhaps you do. We shall see.'

That day at the table I saw the party all sitting together, and recognised my old-young friend, who seemed to have grown up, if the phrase could be used of so short a person, into a rather plain girl, who seemed diffident and retiring, and careless about her dress, which was decidedly shabby. It was thus amusing to see how Mr. Napper's worship of the golden calf had transformed the lady of his affections into a stylish' handsome girl, a title which seemed rather to apply to her companion the dependant, who deserved Mr. Napper's praises for the unflagging exertions she made to forward his suit. Indeed, the 'Lady Companion,' as I christened her, was attractive to all around her, and seemed to take the brilliancy, both moral and physical, out of the person she was attending. But I knew this was the fault of the latter.

When the dinner was over I went up and renewed my acquaintance. Miss Fetherston was delighted to see me. "Oh, it is so pleasant to see an old face in these days.'

Old!' I said reproachfully.

'I mean, one belonging to the old days. They were happy, very happy, were they not? I was not then burdened with these odious responsibilities. Do you know, I am sick of being an heiress?'

Glancing down at her half-mourning, which I had not noticed, I learned, what I had not heard before, of the death of poor old Featherston. We had certainly had merry days at Featherston. She caught my look. You are thinking I don't look much like an heiress-more like a daily governess! That's what I want. I look on, and help cousin Flora to get married. It's a little excitement. He's a friend of yours, I see.'

'Yes,' said I, smiling, but he wants no help. He seemed to say you were ready to take pity on him.'

'I-I!'

'Yes, he told me so himself.'