"Yes, whoever they may be. I don't know Mr. and Mrs. Holman, but of course they may intend to subscribe, and other people will do the same, and if we give, say, a hundred pounds we shall get back perhaps one hundred and fifty, perhaps two hundred." "Oh, that's very nice," said Sibyl; "I seem to understand, and yet I don't understand." "You understand enough, my dear little girl, quite enough. Don't puzzle your poor little brain. Your mother is right, these are matters for men." "And you are quite certain that my father will say that the beautiful mine is full of gold?" said Sibyl. "He will say it if the gold is there." "And if it is not?" "Then he will tell the truth." "Of course," said Sibyl, proudly. "My father couldn't tell a lie if he was even to try. It would be impossible, wouldn't it, Mr. Rochester?" "I should say quite impossible," replied Rochester firmly. "You are awfully nice, you know," she said; "you are nice enough even for Lady Helen. I do hope father will find the mine full up to the brim with gold. Such a lot of people will be happy then." "So they will," replied Rochester. "And darlingest mother can have the beautiful place. Hasn't the new place got a lovely name--Silverbel?" "It sounds very pretty, Sibyl." "And you will come to-morrow and see it, won't you?" "Yes." "And you will bring Lady Helen?" "Your mother will bring Lady Helen." "It's all the same," replied Sibyl. "Oh, I am so glad." She talked a little longer, and then went upstairs. Miss Winstead often spent Sunday with her friends. She was not in the schoolroom now as Sibyl entered. Sibyl thought this was a golden opportunity to write to her father. She sat down and prepared to write a letter. This was always a somewhat laborious task. Her thoughts flowed freely enough, but her hand could not wield the pen quite quick enough for the eager thoughts, nor was her spelling perfect, nor her written thoughts quite so much to the point as her spoken ones. Nevertheless, it was full time for her father to hear from her, and she had a great deal to say. She took a sheet of paper, dipped her pen in the ink, and began: