“Yes, but that silk never cost less than three dollars a yard at Stewart’s. See the lustre there is on it,” and old Mrs. Richards, who had brought herself into the field by way of assisting her son in his campaign, levelled her glass at ’Lina’s green silk, showing well in the bright sunlight “Here, John,” she called to her son, who was passing “can you tell me who that young lady is—the one who so very awkwardly sat down upon the floor at dinner?” “I do not know, and I cannot say that I wish to,” was the _nonchalant_ reply, as the doctor took the vacant chair his mother had so long been keeping for him. “I hardly fancy her style. She’s too _brusque_ to suit me, though Irving Stanley seems to find her agreeable.” “Is that Irving Stanley?” and Mrs. Richards levelled her glass again, for Irving Stanley was not unknown to her by reputation. “She must be somebody, John, or he would not notice her,” and she spoke in an aside, adding in a louder tone, “I wonder who she is. There’s their servant. I mean to question her,” and as Lulu came near, she said, “Girl, who do you belong to?” “’Longs to them,” jerking her head toward ’Lina and Mrs. Worthington. “Where do you live?” was the next query, and Lulu replied. “Spring Bank, Kentucky. Missus live in big house, most as big as this.” Then anxious to have the ordeal passed, and fearful that she might not acquit herself satisfactorily to ’Lina, who, without seeming to notice her, had drawn near enough to hear, she added, “Miss ’Lina is an airey, a very large _airey_, and has a heap of—of——” Lulu hardly knew what, but finally in desperation added, “a heap of ars,” and then fled away ere another question could be asked her. “_What_ did she say she was?” Mrs. Richards asked, and the doctor replied, “She said an _airey_. She meant an heiress.” “Oh, yes, an heiress. I don’t doubt it, from her appearance, and Mr. Stanley’s attentions. _Stylish looking_ isn’t she?” “Rather, yes—magnificent eyes at all events,” and the doctor stroked his mustache thoughtfully, while his mother, turning to Mrs. Buford, began to compliment ’Lina’s form, and the fit of her dress.