“Mr. Ashley, there are hundreds, yes, thousands, as young, and even more delicate than I, who not only support themselves, but assist in maintaining their father and mother, brothers and sisters,” returned Brownie. “I do not claim to be of finer clay than my unfortunate sisters.” “But they have been brought up to it,” interposed Mr. Conrad. “Some of them have, and some have not. God has given me health; and, thanks to my aunt, who took infinite pains with me, I have an excellent education; and, gentlemen, I really feel competent to take care of myself,” the young girl returned, proudly, yet with a more cheerful look than she had worn since Miss Mehetabel’s death. In vain they pleaded and urged, both the clergyman and the doctor offering her a home with them, if she would not go with Mr. Conrad. She remained firm, and they were filled with admiration at the strength of character which she displayed. “I will try for a while,” she said, seeing how bitterly disappointed Mr. Conrad was; “and if I fail, I shall know where to come for a home.” “You are not strong, you will break down under it,” he said, gloomily. “I think not,” was the cheerful response. “I have always sympathized with these poor girls, and now I shall know, by actual experience, what their life is.” “What will you do?” the lawyer asked, while great tears rolled down his wrinkled cheeks. “I do not know yet; I shall have to consider that point a while.” Then, after a few minutes’ thought, and pitying his distress, she added: “At all events, whatever I undertake, if I fail, I promise you I will not refuse the home you offer me; and if I need a friend I shall always know where to find him.” She held out her hand to him with a sweet, winning smile, and again the strong man broke down, weeping like a child, and there was not a dry eye in the room excepting her own. “What a foolish set we are!” exclaimed the doctor, after a vigorous blowing of the nose. “This young lady shames us all. Succeed? Of course, she’ll succeed, and I say God bless her—she is an honor to the name which she bears.” After a few more remarks the gentlemen took their departure, and the two girls were once more alone. “Brownie Douglas, you surely did not mean what you told Mr. Conrad!” exclaimed Aspasia Huntington, the moment the door closed after them. “I told him quite a number of things; to what in particular do you refer?” “Why, working for your living, to be sure.” “Certainly, I meant it; there remains nothing else for me to do.” “But Mr. Conrad offered to relieve you from all anxiety about your future. Why did you not accept his offer?” “I will never be dependent upon any one but myself,” Brownie said, haughtily. “But you will lose caste.” “Perhaps; but I shall not lose my character nor my self-respect,” was the very quiet though cold reply. “Your friends will forsake you.”