“Well, but you know Jennie is soon to be married, and Lina needs some one to look after her French and music. You would be just the one, and we would have such delightful times together.” “It would be all a mere form. I know I should not be received or treated as a governess or companion in your father’s house, and I should live a life of idleness and pleasure as much as heretofore. No; I have said I will work, and work I will! And if my friends prove themselves as true as you have, I shall only be so much happier,” was the firm reply. CHAPTER VII EARNING HER OWN LIVING It soon became noised abroad that Miss Meta Douglas, the heiress, was no more than any other common mortal, since her wealth had taken to itself wings and flown away. It seemed as if her heart must break, when, as the last day before the sale came, she went from room to room to take a farewell view of everything, and gather up the few precious treasures which Mr. Conrad had told her she was at liberty to take. Aspasia had insisted upon remaining with her until everything was over, and donning a simple calico dress, minus either ruffle or train, she superintended with her own fair hands the packing of valuable books, statuettes, bronzes, and ornaments, which she knew were so dear to Brownie’s tender heart. And when, at length, the last day arrived, early in the morning, before even the servants were astir, she had slipped downstairs, and, moving noiselessly from room to room, had tucked a card bearing the words “sold” upon several of the finest paintings, which she knew Miss Mehetabel had highly prized, from the fact of their having been brought over from the old country. Her father had given her permission and _carte blanche_ to perform this delicate service for her friend. But it was all over at last. Everything was sold, and the house was left bare and desolate. Aspasia had gone, and Brownie was alone. The debts were all paid, also the bequests to the servants, which Brownie had insisted upon, although strongly urged to invest the money for herself. Mr. Conrad was obliged to do her bidding, and then, with a sigh of despair, placed two hundred dollars, all that remained of a fortune of a million, in her little hands. “Why, I feel quite rich!” she exclaimed, merrily, as, after counting it over, she looked up and saw his quivering lip. With a mighty effort he swallowed the sobs which nearly broke forth, and managed to say: “Now, my dear child, you will come home with me for a while. Mrs. Conrad desires it, and Emily is lonely.” “Thank you, dear Mr. Conrad, I cannot, as I have promised to be in New York to-morrow morning,” she answered, with an air of business which would have amused him had not his heart been so full. “In New York to-morrow morning!” he ejaculated in astonishment. “Yes, I have an engagement there.”