erself upon different articles of fancy work, such
as she thought she could dispose of in Waveland.

She managed, by this means, to obtain, from time to time, small sums of
money, which, if they did not materially aid her, at least made her feel
a little more independent. Among other things, which her friend
suggested that she might be able to dispose of to advantage, was a
prettily shaped basket of some frosty white material, whose glittering,
transparent beauty was relieved by bright-tinted flowers, with long,
creeping vines, and leaves of a vivid green. It took some time for its
completion, and when it was finished, Clemence hoped that its extreme
beauty would captivate the eyes of somebody who had means to pay
somewhat of its real value.

"Beautiful!" exclaimed the shop-keeper who purchased all Clemence's
articles. "I'm afraid, Miss, you won't find ready sale for it here,
though. There ain't many that can appreciate a thing like that in this
village. I would not venture to run the risk myself, but if it was
anything in the way of finery now, it would be different. If you will
embroider some of those gay scarfs and slippers, and some more of the
children's fixins, I'll buy them, for they take mightily."

"Then you don't think I can dispose of this at any rate?" asked
Clemence, despondingly. "I need the money very much."

"I know you do," said the man compassionately, gazing into the girl's
pale face. "You ought not to be working at anything after such a
dangerous illness. Perhaps you had better leave it here for a few days,
and I will see if I cannot get any orders for you."

"Very well," said Clemence, "I should be greatly obliged if you would,"
and she turned away more hopefully.

Upon her next inquiry, she found that a Mrs. Burton had desired her to
call, with specimens of her work, at her house, which, by the way, was
_the_ mansion of the place. Clemence had heard much of this lady, but
was not personally acquainted with her.

"It's all right," said the brisk, little storekeeper. "I think she is
the very one for you to go to, for she has plenty of money at her
command. She took quite a fancy to the basket of flowers, and inquired
all about you, asking if you would not call and see her directly."

Clemence gladly followed the advice thus given her, and after a walk of
about half a mile, found herself at Mrs. Burton's residence. The lady
herself came to the door. Clemence introduced herself.

"Oh, yes, yo