could need or
desire in that line; in the fourth drawer there were boxes of silken
hose of various colors, together with lovely French boots and slippers
suitable for different costumes.

"What a pity to spend so much money for nothing," Edith murmured,
regretfully, when she had concluded her inspection. "It is very
evident that they look upon me as a silly, vacillating girl, who can
be easily managed and won over by pretty clothes and glittering
baubles. I suppose there are girls whose highest ambition in life is
to possess such things, and to lead an existence of luxury and
pleasure--who would doubtless sell themselves for them; but I should
hate and scorn myself for accepting anything of the kind from a man
whom I could neither respect nor love."

She gave utterance to a heavy sigh as she closed the drawer and turned
away from the dressing-case; not, however, because she longed to
possess the beautiful things she had seen, but in view of the
difficulties which might lie before her to hamper her movements in the
effort to escape from her enemies.

"I suppose I must remain here for a few hours at least," she
continued, an expression of anxiety flitting over her face, "and if I
expect to carry out my plans successfully I must begin by assuming a
submissive role."

She removed her hat and wraps, hanging them in a closet; then, going
to her trunk, she selected what few articles she would absolutely need
on her journey to New York, and some important papers--among them the
letters which her own mother had written--and after hastily making
them up into a neat package, returned them again to the trunk for
concealment, until she should be ready to leave the house.

This done, she sat down by a window to await and meet, with what
fortitude she could command, the next act in the drama of her life.

Not long after she heard a step in the hall, then there came a knock
on her door, and madam's voice called out:

"It is only I, Edith; may I come in?"

"Yes, come," unhesitatingly responded the girl, and Mrs. Goddard, her
face beaming with smiles and good nature, entered the room.

"How do you like your new quarters, dear?" she inquired, searching
Edith's fair face with eager eyes.

"Of course, everything is very beautiful," she returned, glancing
admiringly around the apartment.

"And are you pleased with the additions to the furnishings?--the
chair, the work-table, and writing-desk?"

"I have never seen anything mor