ency. She had every quality, too, which fitted her to shine in the
gay world; and the general law is, that those who have the power have the
instinct to use it. We do not suppose that the bracelet on her arm was
an amulet, but it was a symbol. It reminded her of her descent; it kept
alive the desire to live over the joys and excitements of a bygone
generation. If she had accepted Murray Bradshaw, she would have pledged
herself to a worldly life. If she had refused him, it would perhaps have
given her a taste of power that might have turned her into a coquette.

This new impression saved her for the time. She had come back to her
nest in the village like a frightened bird; her heart was throbbing, her
nerves were thrilling, her dreams were agitated; she wanted to be quiet,
and could not listen to the flatteries or entreaties of her old lover.

It was a strong will and a subtle intellect that had arrayed their force
and skill against the ill-defended citadel of Myrtle's heart. Murray
Bradshaw was perfectly determined, and not to be kept back by any trivial
hindrances, such as her present unwillingness to accept him, or even her
repugnance to him, if a freak of the moment had carried her so far. It
was a settled thing: Myrtle Hazard must become Mrs. Bradshaw; and nobody
could deny that, if he gave her his name, they had a chance, at least,
for a brilliant future.

CHAPTER XXIX.

MISTRESS KITTY FAGAN CALLS ON MASTER BYLES GRIDLEY.

"I 'd like to go down to the store this mornin', Miss Withers, plase.
Sure I've niver a shoe to my fut, only jist these two that I've got on,
an' one other pair, and thim is so full of holes that whin I 'm standin'
in 'em I'm outside of 'em intirely."

"You can go, Kitty," Miss Silence answered, funereally.

Thereupon Kitty Fagan proceeded to array herself in her most tidy
apparel, including a pair of shoes not exactly answering to her
description, and set out straight for the house of the Widow Hopkins.
Arrived at that respectable mansion, she inquired for Mr. Gridley, and
was informed that he was at home. Had a message for him,--could she see
him in his study? She could if she would wait a little while. Mr.
Gridley was busy just at this minute. Sit down, Kitty, and warm yourself
at the cooking-stove.

Mistress Kitty accepted Mrs. Hopkins's hospitable offer, and presently
began orienting herself, and getting ready to make herself agreeable.
The kindhearted Mrs. Hopkins ha