The property in Fortieth Street was her only possession.

But little money had come to her at her husband's death, and an unfortunate speculation of his had swept away all that had fallen to her from her father, the late Judge Merriweather.

For years she kept the old home unencumbered, teaching French and English until Margaret was well in her teens.

The girl was sent to one of the good old boarding-schools on the Hudson and came out well prepared to help her mother in the battle to keep the wolf down and appearances up.

Margaret was rich in friendships; and pride alone stood between her and the advantages they offered.