ed it was something like this, but
thought it best not to mention it. How much is it?" she asked after a
pause, during which Malcom and Margery had talked in earnest tones.

"Nearly half a million," answered Mr. Sumner.

Barbara the owner of nearly half a million dollars! No wonder she was
overcome! It seemed like an Arabian Nights' tale.

"How perfectly lovely!" cried Margery; and her mother echoed her words.

Mr. Sumner looked rather grave. It was not that Barbara should have the
money, but that another should have the right to give it her. Some one
else to bless the life of the girl who was becoming so dear to him! To
whom he was beginning to long to bring all good things! It was as if the
dead Howard came in some way between himself and her; and he went out
alone beneath the trees of the Pincian Gardens to think it all over.

Meanwhile, the two girls were in their chamber. Barbara threw herself on
a couch beneath the window, and gazed with unseeing eyes up into the
depths of the Italian sky. She was stunned by the news the letter had
brought, and, as yet, thought was completely passive.

Bettina read several times the lawyer's letter, trying to understand
its contents. At last she said gently:--

"Can it be possible, Bab? I can hardly comprehend how much it is. We
have never thought of so much money in all our lives. Why! you are rich,
dear. You have more money than you ever can spend!"

Barbara sprang from the couch, and threw out her arms with an exultant
gesture.

"Spend! I hadn't once thought of that! Betty! Betty! Papa and mamma
shall have everything they wish! They shall never work so hard any more!
Mamma shall have a seamstress every day, and her poor pricked fingers
shall grow smooth! She shall have the loveliest clothes, and never again
give the prettiest of everything to you and me! Papa shall have
vacations, and books, and the study in hospitals he has so longed for!
Richard shall have college _certain_ to look forward to; Lois shall have
the best teachers in the world for her music; Margaret shall be an
artist; and dear little Bertie!--oh! he shall have what he needs for
everything he wishes to do and be! And they shall all come abroad to
this dear lovely Italy, and enjoy all that we are enjoying! And you and
I, Betty!--why!--you and I can have some new spring dresses!" And the
excited girl burst into a flood of tears, mingled with laughter at the
absurdity of her anti-climax.

Bettina did not