The girl shared the note with her friends, and they were unanimously indignant. "The idea of thinking that any of us would stoop to be a maid!" they cried, while Liane, with flushing cheeks, quickly indited a brief, courteous, but very decided refusal of the young lady's offer. CHAPTER XII. "THE QUEEN ROSE." "What impudence! She thanks me for my offer, but finds it quite impossible to accept. And her note is worded as if written to an equal!" cried Roma angrily, as she tossed Liane's answer to her mother. Mrs. Clarke examined it somewhat curiously, commenting on the neatness and correctness of the writing. "She has made good use of her limited opportunities for education," she said. "But, mamma, the idea of her refusing my offer, to remain with Miss Bray at three dollars a week." "Perhaps there is a little pride mixed up with her position. She may consider her present place more genteel, my dear." "I really do not see any difference to speak of. Poor people are all alike to me," Roma cried scornfully. "As for Liane Lester, I should like to shake her! I suppose her pretty face has quite turned her head with vanity! Why, mamma, she and those other sewing girls at Miss Bray's have even sent their pictures to the Beauty Show." "The competition was free to all, my dear, and poverty is no bar to beauty. I have seen some of the prettiest faces in the world among working girls. But still, I do not suppose any of Miss Bray's employees can compete with you in looks," returned Mrs. Clarke, with a complacent glance at her handsome daughter. "Thank you, mamma, but you haven't seen this Lester girl, have you? She is really quite out of the ordinary, with the most classic features, while I--well, I confess my features are the weak point in my beauty. I don't see why I didn't inherit your regular features!" complained Roma. "You do not resemble me, but you are not lacking in beauty, dear. I suppose you must be more like your father's family, though I never saw any of them. But don't begin to worry, darling, lest you should lose the prize. I feel sure of your success," soothed the gentle lady. "But, mamma, there is Jesse, who will be sure to vote against me for spite, and I'm afraid that papa is the only one of the judges I can count upon." "You cannot count upon him, Roma, because he has declined to serve, fearing to be accused of partiality if he votes for you." "Then I shall have to go entirely on my own merits," Roma returned, with pretended carelessness, but at heart she was furious at her father's defection, only she knew it was useless to protest against his decision. She had learned long ago that she could not "wind him around her little finger," as she could her adoring mother. Again her hopes recurred to Jesse Devereaux. She must make every effort to lure him back. Her mother's patient maid grew very tired dressing Miss Roma for the show when the night came.