“I wonder what kind of a person I am,” thought Victoria as she walked. “I wonder what sort of a character I really have. I don’t seem to get as gloomy as Honor or as furious as Katherine over being poor. Does it mean that I don’t realize as they do how very bad things are? It always seems as if there must be some way out, no matter how gloomy and awful things may look. Perhaps I’m rather shallow and can’t grasp the situation. Some day when I have time I am going to sit down and study my own nature, but there are ever so many things that must be done first. And after all, it doesn’t seem worth while to waste time over that. I might find out that I was absolutely worthless, and that would be so discouraging. I suppose a great many people would say that I ought to examine myself more, and correct my faults, and all that, and I suppose I ought; but if I did I know I should get depressed, and it really seems as if one of us should try to keep bright and cheerful, and I seem to be the one that it comes easiest to. I wish I had some one to ask about such things—a mother, for instance. Holloa, here I am at Aunt Sophia’s already. I hope she is at home.” But inquiry proved that already Mrs. Wentworth Ward had gone out. She would not return until five o’clock that afternoon, the maid said. She had gone to Providence to attend a meeting. Would not Miss Victoria come in and rest a bit? But Victoria declined the invitation. She had quickly determined to put her other plans into action, and no time should be lost. It did not take long to reach a certain silversmith’s of whom she had heard, and whom she knew to be honest, although his shop was neither large nor fashionable. Fortunately no customers were in the store, and the proprietor could attend to her himself. She produced the small heavy package from her pocket, and proceeded to untie it. In it were a pair of old-fashioned gold earrings, a watch and chain, and one or two chased rings. These articles had been left to Victoria by the will of her grandmother. The watch, which was very old, and had long since ceased to go, was of no great value as a timepiece, she supposed. “I want to sell these things,” said she, bravely. “Will you buy them?” The old man, who had kind eyes, Victoria thought, looked at them critically. Then he glanced benignly at the owner of the trinkets. “Do you really want to sell them?” said he. “Yes, I really do,” returned Victoria. “I need the money. How much will you give me for them?” “I can’t tell that until I’ve taken them apart and weighed the gold. Come back next week, and I’ll tell you.” “Next week!” cried Victoria. “Oh, can’t you do it now? I do want to take the money home to-day.” “And ain’t you going to buy Christmas presents with it?” asked the old man. “No indeed, I’m not. We really need the money. Couldn’t you tell me if I were to come back this afternoon? At three o’clock, for instance?”