There was a gleam of sunshine in her life! The poor teacher was an heiress in a small way, with her fortune at her own disposal.

They had something like a festival at home, for the first time; presents to everybody, and kissings and congratulations, and new dresses at last.

And, more than that, another wonderful event happened before long.

A gentleman made his appearance in the family circle, with an interesting object in view--a gentleman, who had called at the house in which she happened to be employed as teacher at the time, and had seen her occupied with her pupils.

He had kept it to himself to be sure, but he had secretly admired her from that moment--and now it had come out! She had never had a lover before; mind that.