"Bless you, I'm not likely to put myself out about a brother; not that I have one, and so much the better, thank goodness. There's a man whom I love, and a right jolly fellow he is--his name is Sam Raynes. He is not one of your fine, bread-and-butter gentlemen--not he. He is rough and ready, and he has his joke, and he isn't too handsome, although some people admire red hair; but, anyhow, I'm fond of him and he's fond of me, and some day--I don't know when--when we can scrape enough together, we are going to set up housekeeping." "You are going to marry; is that it?" said Kitty. "Yes; some day we'll marry. Now, you see, that's a bit of fun for me; and I can go out with Sam on bank holidays and on Sunday afternoons just like any other girl with her young man. Bless you, I don't mind." "I wonder what all this is leading up to," said Kitty, with a slight yawn. "Of course, it is very interesting to you; but I don't care about your young man." "No more you do, you haughty little minx; and I wouldn't bother you about him, for, with all his faults, he's too good to have words wasted about him to a little independent chit of a thing like you. But, as I was saying, I'm not talking for nothing, I'm leading up to something. Now, I am content enough with our lot; but Elma isn't. Elma is quite different from me--she has got a great deal of refinement about her." "Has she indeed?" said Kitty in a voice of scorn. "Yes, she has, and you needn't contradict me. She's a very clever girl, is Elma. I don't say that she's always as straight as a die--I don't pretend that she is; but she is a clever girl, and she is fond of her books, and she's likely to get on--that is, if you don't spike her guns." "What do you mean?" "Oh, well, it's only an expression of mine. I heard Sam use it last week. I often copy his phrases, they're so fine and full of flourish. Well, now, if you don't spoil sport, Elma will get into an altogether different circle from your humble servant. Mother and I will go one way, and Elma another. Elma, with her grand notions and her set-you-up sort of airs, will rise in life. She's heartily welcome to go her own way, and I wish her Godspeed, for she is the only sister I have got." "I don't understand," interrupted Kitty. "If you'll let me speak I'll soon explain. You don't suppose that girls such as I am are often to be seen at Middleton School?" "Well, I have not seen any like you," said Kitty, gazing from head to foot at her very peculiar visitor. "No more you have, bless you; and I'm not the least offended by your very frank stare. Sam admires me, and that's enough for me. Now, Elma looks a lady, doesn't she?" "I suppose so," said Kitty in a dubious tone. "You suppose so indeed! Let me tell you that Elma is a born little lady, a real lady, and she looks it, every inch of her. That is why she goes to Middleton School; but now, who do you think pay for her?" "How can I tell?"