"In two days I can so win her heart that she will regret she has neglected me so long." "Exactly." "If I get her money we will change our plans, and abandon the adventure we were forced to undertake.

But if, for any reason, that plan goes awry, we can fall back upon this prettily conceived scheme which we have undertaken.

As you say, it is well to have two strings to one's bow; and during July and August everyone will be out of town, and so we shall lose no valuable time." Mrs.Merrick did not reply.

She stitched away in a methodical manner, as if abstracted, and Louise crossed her delicate hands behind her head and gazed at her mother reflectively.

Presently she said: "Tell me more of my father's family.