"Well, well, we have got ourselves into a trap, and we must get out the best way we can," was Jane's lugubrious answer. "Oh, never mind about our being in money difficulties now," I cried, "do think of me, Jane, just for a moment, do make things possible for me. Remember that I am very young, and I was never accustomed to people of the Fanning type. Do, I beseech of you, ask them to go. Mr. Fanning's action to-day will make your request possible. Jane, if I went on my knees and stayed there all my life, I could not marry him, and the sooner he knows it the better." "I will think things over," said Jane. I never saw anything like the look of despair which was creeping over her face. "Things are coming to a crisis," she continued, "and I must confide in you fully, but not just now, we must get dinner over first. Your mother was ill while you were away, she won't come to dinner to-night." "Mother ill! Anything serious?" I cried in alarm. "Only a little faintness. I have got her comfortably to bed." "Well, of course, I shan't dine to-night, I shall stay with mother." "But you must, my love, it is absolutely necessary that you should appear at dinner, and you must be quite cheerful too in her room. She is quite herself now, and is looking over a new book, and when you go to her you will see that she has had a nice dinner, nourishing and suitable. Now go and change your dress, and make yourself look smart. Now that Mr. Randolph is gone, and your mother is too ill to be often in the drawing-room and dining-room, the affairs of the household rest upon you. You must make yourself smart; you must make yourself attractive. It must be done, Westenra, it must, and for your mother's sake." Jane spoke with such determination that she stimulated my courage, and I went away to my own room determined to act on her advice.