"A little fund--a dollar and a half!" said Miss Wilmot, pityingly. "I suppose I would not get so much at a pawnbroker's?" continued Rose. "My child, I am not a pawnbroker, but I think it will be better for me to lend you something on the ring." "If you only would, madam! I feel timid about going to a pawnshop." "Where they would offer some ridiculous trifle for it, no doubt. Here, child, give me the ring." Rose drew it from her finger and handed it to Miss Wilmot. The latter drew a purse from her pocket and slipped the ring into it. "It is too small for me to wear," she said. "It will be safe in my purse." She drew out two five-dollar bills and handed them to Rose. "Ten dollars!" exclaimed Rose, in surprise. "I don't do business on the regular terms," said Miss Wilmot, smiling. "I am sure the ring is worth more than ten dollars to you. Some day you may be able to redeem it." "I am afraid not, madam; but this money seems like a small fortune to me." "You don't know what future luck is in store for you. I will keep the ring for you. You should know who has it. I am Miss Jane Wilmot, of 300 Madison avenue. I am called a strong-minded woman; I hope that won't prejudice you against me." "It would be hard for me to become prejudiced against you after your liberality, Miss Wilmot. I wish there were more strong-minded woman like you." "Now for your name, my child." "I am Rose Beaufort; my sister's name is Adeline, and my little brother, twelve years old, is Harry." "I have a great mind to go home with you, if you won't consider it an intrusion," said Miss Wilmot. "Far from it, Miss Wilmot--that is, if you won't mind our humble quarters." "If you can endure them week after week, I can get along for half an hour," said the spinster. "Lead the way, my dear. Is it far? If so, we will take a horse-car." "It is less than half a mile, I should think," said Rose. "Then we will walk." They soon reached the poor tenement-house. "You see it is a poor place," said Rose, apologetically. "Poor enough!" said Miss Wilmot, plainly. "You may not care to come up." "There is nothing delicate about me, my child. Go on, I will follow." Rose entered the poor room in advance of her visitor. "Home again, Rose?" said Adeline, whose head was turned away from the door, and who therefore did not see Miss Wilmot. "Yes, Addie." "Did you get any money? Did they pay you for the vests?" "No; but I met a good friend, who has come home with me. Miss Wilmot, this is my sister, Addie." "I am glad to make your acquaintance, my dear," said the spinster, and her face, plain as it was, looked positively attractive from very kindness. "You look good!" said Addie, whose instincts were rapid. "I am sure you are a friend." "I will be," said Miss Wilmot, emphatically. The weakness of the younger sister appealed to her even more strongly than the beauty of the elder.