"Mother says you had better have them when you can. She is delighted at getting the London house." "I dare say," said Una. "You'll see, Kattern and Tory will get everywhere, except to the Drawing-room and the stiff balls. Kat looks grown-up, and she's getting rather sweet in her own way--pretty milk-maid style, you know. And she looks best in a straw hat and pink cotton--which is cheap." Amethyst laughed. "I don't know about Kat," she said, "but Tory declares she's not going to spoil her chances by and by. She means to wear a sailor hat, and go to classes. She has found out some, and I do think she will, she is very clever." Una twisted herself round so as to look up into Amethyst's face. "There'll be the rich heiress," she said, "and the great beauty. There's only the good girl left for me! Which will win, I wonder--you or Carrie? She ought to have a poor peer, and you a rich cotton-spinner. But you might pull caps for a duke." "He should fall to you, if you are to be the good girl," said Amethyst. "But I don't see him anywhere on the horizon at present." "No, but the cotton-spinner? Of course the Grattons are going to be in town? In Eaton Square too, perhaps?" "Yes," said Amethyst, "on the opposite side. Carrie is to ride with the girls." "And you?" "Too expensive!" said Amethyst, with an odd slow smile. "There'll be enough to contrive for without that." "Where _is_ the money coming from? Is the house all Carrie's?" "Well, no. The fact is, father has made it up with Charles, and they have agreed to sell some farms in Derbyshire. We are to see Charles sometimes. He is going on better--" "And is meant for Carrie! I declare, Amethyst, that's too bad!" said Una, sitting up. "And have you seen him?" "No, and I can't recollect him at all. Can you?" "I can. Amethyst, he's a horror! Even long ago we all hated him. I should hate him to come near you?" "Well, Una," said Amethyst, shrugging her shoulders. "We must just do the best we can. Least said, soonest mended--as we settled long ago." "Oh," said Una, with tears in her eyes, "it's awfully hard lines on us! I want to tell you--somehow I couldn't write. I see everything differently--since I came here--" She broke off, and hid her face on Amethyst's shoulder. "What is it, dear? What do you mean? Has anything happened to you?" said Amethyst, anxiously.