“That is just what I hope it will lead to in the end, for it’s a great thing, I can tell you.” “Indeed! Well, that don’t astonish me! You was born to great things, Miss Post. No mistake about that!” “Which I am ready to share,” answered Ellen, “for it will take more than one to earn five thousand dollars!” “Five thousand dollars! Why, Ellen, you take away my breath.” “It took away mine, at first; but now I am ready for work. Are you?” “Am I ready to make five thousand dollars! Try me, that’s all.” “Robert, you know a boy by the name of Laurence. He comes here with groceries now and then.” “Yes, I know all about him. He’s in the same store with Boyce.” “He’s got a sister?” “Yes. I’ve seen her. A stunning girl.” “That girl has set her foot on Miss Spicer!” “What! There must be some mistake about that; they don’t travel the same road.” “No mistake at all. I know what I’m saying. More than that, she has offended the madam, who is bitter against her.” “You don’t say so!” “She is handsome.” “Stupendously so. Her face fairly took me off my feet.” “Mr. Mahone?” Mr. Mahone dropped his arm, and almost leaped to his feet; a whole volley of small shot rolled off in that one exclamation. “I beg ten thousand pardons, Miss Post. I was speaking of the opinion others might have. As for me, I have eyes only for one woman, this side of sunrise, and that woman is Ellen Post.” “Mr. Mahone, sit down. It is hard when the heart is wounded to stick to business; but stick we must.” “Well, Ellen, I don’t object. You were speaking of Miss Laurence. I know all about her!” “But how?” demanded Ellen, forgetting business again, in a sharp fit of jealousy. “Mr. Mahone, do you visit that creature?” “Me? me? Do you think I haven’t better taste than Mr. Ivon? He visits her; but, as for me, I’d rather be excused, not being necessitated to go away from home.” “This is not business,” exclaimed Ellen, growing practical, as her jealousy was appeased. “The long and the short of it is, this girl has been forcing herself into the company of her betters, which neither the madam or Miss Spicer will stand. Mr. Ivon has taken to her in a way quite ridiculous; so has another person of quite as much importance. The ladies don’t want her to cross their path again. We must see that she don’t.” “But how?” “The Laurence family, root and branch, must be brought to disgrace. Being poor as Job’s cat isn’t enough, for some rich people have taken them up. She must be so covered with shame, that no one will have the courage to speak to her in the street.” “But how is it to be done. We might get up a big scandal; but people are getting shy of believing such things, when they come from the basement; but for that, I am capital at building castles out of card-houses. In our line now, I could work wonders against any girl——” “Not any girl, Mr. Mahone,” broke in Ellen, with a hot burst of pride. “There are persons that slander cannot reach!”