She had been an inmate of Bernardine's home for a week before she learned that the girl was soon to be wedded. Bernardine's father told her, hinting triumphantly that that event would mean the dawn of a more prosperous future for the family, as her intended husband was very rich--had money to burn. "Don't say much about him to Bernardine," he added, quickly; "for she's not in love with him by any means." "Then why is she going to marry him?" asked Miss Rogers, amazedly. "He has money," replied David Moore, nodding his head wisely; "and that's what sharp girls are looking for nowadays." "I thought love was the ruling power which moved young girls' hearts," responded Miss Rogers, slowly. "At least, it used to be when I was a young girl like Bernardine." He laughed uneasily, but made no reply, as Bernardine entered the room at that instant with an open letter in her hand. "Jasper Wilde has returned to the city, father," she said, tremulously, "and--and he is coming here this evening to see us." As the girl uttered the words, Miss Rogers was quite sure she could detect the sound of tears in her quivering voice. "I am very glad," replied David Moore, endeavoring to speak lightly. "I shall be mighty pleased to see my prospective son-in-law." Bernardine drew back quickly, her lovely face pitifully pale, then turned abruptly and hurried from the room. Miss Rogers followed her. The girl went to her own apartment, threw herself on her knees, and burying her face in the counterpane, wept such bitter, passionate tears that Miss Rogers was alarmed for her. "You poor child!" exclaimed Miss Rogers. "Sit down here beside me, and tell me the whole story--let me understand it." "I can not tell you any more. I met one whom I _could_ love, and--we--parted. I sent him away because my father had declared that I should marry this other one." "Because of his wealth?" said Miss Rogers, in a strangely hard voice. "No, no! Do not do my father that injustice. It was not because of his wealth. I--I should have had to marry him had he been the poorest man in the city." "It is cruel, it is outrageous, to ask a young girl to marry a man whom she detests. It is barbarous. In my opinion, that is carrying parental authority too far. This marriage must not take place, Bernardine. It would be wicked--a sin against God." Although Miss Rogers did her best to probe into the mystery--for Bernardine's sake--the girl was strangely obdurate. So she said no more to her on the subject just then; but when she approached David Moore on this topic, his incoherent replies puzzled her still more.