"I will do it with pleasure, mother. But now I want you to do something for me." "Ah," said Mrs. Howland, "I thought you were coming to that." "Well, it is this," said Maggie. "When he talks to you about me, don't oppose him. He will most probably propound a scheme to you, as his own perhaps; and you are to be quite certain to let him think that it is his own scheme. And you might make out to him, mother, that I am really very disagreeable, and that nothing in all the world would make me anything else. And if you are a very wise little mother you will tell him that you are happier alone with him." "Which I am--I am," said Mrs. Howland. "He is a dear, quite a dear; and so comical and amusing!" "Then it's all right," said Maggie. "You know I told you yesterday that nothing would induce me to live at Laburnum Villa; but I will certainly come to you, mums, in the holidays, if you wish it." "But, dear child, there is no money to keep you at that expensive school. There isn't a penny." "Oh, well, well, mother, perhaps that can be managed. But now we needn't talk any more about my future until after Mr. Martin has had tea with you to-day. If you have any news for me when I return from Richmond you can let me know." "You are a very independent girl to go to Richmond by yourself." "Oh, that'll be all right," said Maggie in a cheerful tone. "Have you anything else to say to me?" "Yes. You know all that beautiful jewellery that my dear father brought back with him from those different countries where he spent his life." Mrs. Howland looked mysterious and frightened. "It was meant for me eventually, was it not?" said Maggie. "Oh, well, I suppose so; only, somehow, I have a life-interest in it." "You won't want for jewellery when you are Mr. Martin's wife." "Indeed no; why, he has given me a diamond ornament for my hair already. He means to take me out a great deal, he says." "Out!--oh mother--in his set!" "Well, dear child, I shall get accustomed to that." "Don't you think you might give me father's jewellery?" said Maggie. "Is it worth a great deal?" said Mrs. Howland. "I never could bear to look at it--that is, since he died." "You haven't given it to Mr. Martin, have you, mother?" "No, nor said a word about it to him either." "Well, suppose, now that we have a quiet time, we look at the jewellery?" said Maggie. "Very well," said Mrs. Howland. Then she added, "I was half-tempted to sell some of it; but your father was so queer, and the things seemed so very ugly and unlike what is worn, that I never had the heart to part with them. I don't suppose they'd fetch a great deal." "Let's look at them," said Maggie. Mrs. Howland half-rose from her chair, then sank back again.