There had been various attempts to find out where she lived. None had succeeded. One day Mrs. Wyman asked the question directly. "Where do you live, Miss Blagden, if you will allow me to ask?" "I will allow you to ask," returned the Disagreeable Woman, coolly. "Do you propose to call on me?" "If you will permit me." "It is hardly necessary. We meet at the table every day. I am a hermit," she added after a pause, "I do not care to receive visitors." "I once heard of a hermit who lived in one of the cottages on the rocks near Central Park," said the widow, rather impertinently. "I don't live there!" said the Disagreeable Woman, composedly. "Of course not. I did not suppose you did." "Thank you. You are right as usual." If Miss Blagden meant to be sarcastic, nothing in her tone revealed it. She had warded off the attack dictated by curiosity. Whether Miss Blagden was rich or not, she was always ready to contribute to any public or private cause. When Prof. Poppendorf announced that he was about to publish a book, enlarged from his lecture on "The Material and The Immaterial." Miss Blagden subscribed for two copies. "One is for you, Dr. Fenwick!" she said, in a low tone. "Thank you, Miss Blagden. You are very kind. Am I expected to read it?" "If you can," she responded with a grim smile. The other boarders were asked, but each had some excuse. "I have just bought a new hat," said Mrs. Wyman. "I no understand English," said the Count. "Do you think I ought to subscribe, Miss Blagden?" asked Ruth. "No, child. Why should you? You have a use for your money. Besides, you would not understand it. If you wish, I will buy one for you?" "No, thank you, Miss Blagden. It would be of no use to me, but I thought the Professor would think it friendly." She could not explain that she wished to make amends for refusing his suit, for she had with rare delicacy abstained from mentioning the learned German's uncouth courtship. Perhaps Miss Blagden, who was very observing, penetrated her motive, for she said: "There is something in that. Subscribe, and I will pay for the book." Upon this Ruth gently told the Professor that she would take a copy. He was surprised and delighted. "By all means Mees Ruth, but perhaps I should give you one." "No, no, Prof. Poppendorf. I want to show my interest in you--and your book." "You are so good. I will give you the first copy." "Thank you," said Ruth, shyly. "What do you want of the old fossil's book?" asked Mrs. Wyman later, when the Professor was out of hearing. "I suspect that you are in love with the Professor." "No, you don't suspect that," said Ruth, composedly. "At any rate he seems struck with you." "I suppose I am either material or immaterial," returned Ruth, laughing. "You went to walk with him one evening." "I am afraid you are jealous, Mrs. Wyman." The widow laughed and the conversation ended. CHAPTER XIX. A SPEECH FROM THE THRONE.