There was a sharp note of suspicion in her voice, but Liane, inured to harshness, dared not resent it, only shrank sensitively, as from a blow, and meekly explained the happenings of the day, giving the bare facts only, but withholding the promises Mrs. Clarke had made, too incredulous of good fortune coming to her to make any boast. Mrs. Brinkley flushed, and exclaimed: "That was a brave thing you did, my dear, and I want you to excuse me if I hurt your feelings just now. I spoke for your own good, wishing to be as careful over your welfare as I am over my own sister Lizzie's!" "I understand, and I thank you!" the young girl answered sweetly, emboldening Mrs. Brinkley to ask curiously: "Did the rich lady whose life you saved give you any reward?" "She asked me very particularly to return to the hotel to-morrow, and intimated that I should not have to work for my living any more!" "Then your fortune's made, my dear girl. Let me congratulate you," cried Mrs. Brinkley. "I've news for you, too. I was lucky enough to secure two new boarders for my two empty rooms this morning." Liane feigned a polite interest, and she added: "One was a man, a language teacher in a boarding school. I didn't like his looks much. He is dark and Spanish looking, but he paid my price in advance, so that reconciled me to his scowling brow and black whiskers. The other is a seamstress, very neat and ladylike, and I believe I shall find her real pleasant. Her name is Sophie Nutter, and his is Carlos Cisneros." Liane's eyes brightened as she exclaimed: "There used to be a lady's maid at Cliffdene named Sophie Nutter. I wonder if it can be the same?" "You might make a little call on her and see. Her room is next yours, and your granny has gone out to buy some baked beans for her supper." Liane was glad that granny had not seen her come home in the carriage, she hated having to explain everything to the ill-natured old crone, and she started to go upstairs, but looked back to ask: "Who was granny's caller?" "I don't know. She was in such a bad temper when she went away, I didn't dare ask. The young lady was all in silk and fur, with a thick veil over her face, but some locks of hair peeped out at the back of her neck, and they were thick and red as copper. She stayed upstairs with granny as much as an hour, and when she left the old woman seemed to be perfectly devilish in her temper. Seems to me I'd be afraid to live with her if I was you, Liane!" "So I am, Mrs. Brinkley, but she is old and poor, and it would be wicked for me to desert her, you know!" "I wonder what God leaves such as her in the world for to torment good people, while He takes away good, useful ones, that can ill be spared!" soliloquized the landlady; but Liane sighed without replying, and, running upstairs, tapped lightly on the new boarder's door. It opened quickly, and there were mutual exclamations of surprise and pleasure. It was, indeed, the Sophie Nutter of Cliffdene.