She was so excited that she could scarcely drink her tea, and when Mrs.Dexter reappeared, she sprang up all eagerness.

For half an an hour she went from room to room, almost speechless with admiration and a delighted awe.

It was her first experience of a house of the size and grandeur of Thexford Hall, and almost at every step she took she was trying to realize that she was actually going to live there.

And to be paid L150 per annum for doing so! "Now I'll show you the library," said Mrs.Dexter.

"Naturally, that will interest you more than anything else, though our state-rooms are considered to be very fine.