"Does any one know it in our circle?" "No. Indeed, the only one who is likely to have any knowledge of it is Mrs. Fenton and her son." "The train boy!" "Yes." "If it should get out I should die of mortification." "Neither you nor I are likely to mention it. I only referred to it to show the advantages of marrying a man of high lineage like Alfred Lindsay. I have money, but I have never been able to get into the inner circle to which the Lindsays belong. Money will buy much, but it won't buy that. I hope yon will do your best to bring the young mail to the point." "I will manage it, papa," said Luella complacently. "Do you know I have made up my mind to go to Europe on a wedding trip?" "If Lindsay consents." "He will do whatever I wish. I expect him to call this evening." "Do you?" "Yes, and--papa, something might happen," added Luella playfully. "I hope so sincerely, my dear." "Mind, if he comes to you, not a word about the blacksmith! I wish you hadn't told me." "Forget it then, Luella. We will keep it a profound secret." Luella left her father's presence with a smile upon her face. It was already eight o'clock. Half an hour passed, and she became anxious. Fifteen minutes more clipped by, and still the welcome ring at the bell was not heard. She was ready to cry with vexation, for she had made up her mind to lead the young man to a declaration that very evening if it were a possible thing. She summoned a servant. "Jane," she said, "Mr. Lindsay has not called this evening, has he?" "No miss. If he had of course I would tell you." "I thought perhaps there might have been some mistake. If he should come--and it isn't very late yet--let me know at once." "Surely I will, Miss Luella." "She's dead gone on that man," said Jane to herself. "Well, I don't wonder, for he is awfully handsome, that's a fact. But my! if he could only see her in some of her tantrums, he'd open his eyes. He thinks she's an angel, but I know her better." Several days passed and still Alfred Lindsay did not call. Luella became alarmed. Was she losing her hold upon him? She was considering whether it would be proper to write a letter to the young lawyer at his office, when she chanced to make a very painful discovery. About five o'clock on Saturday afternoon she was coming out of Lord & Taylor's up-town store when in a plainly dressed girl who was just passing she recognized Ruth Patton. Curiosity led her to address Ruth. "So you are still in the city?" she said abruptly. "Yes, Miss Ferguson," answered Ruth calmly. "Of course you are very poor. I think I can get you a place as chambermaid in the family of one of my friends." "Thank you, but I have a position I like better." "What sort of a position?" "I am in a lawyer's office, copying legal papers." "Indeed! I suppose you are poorly paid." "I receive ten dollars a week." "That is ridiculously high pay. Of course you don't earn it." "Mr. Lindsay fixed the salary--I did not."