alted down--that's the term, isn't it?"

"Well, I have something, but I don't care to make a boast of it. There
would be plenty who would want a share--for instance, Mrs. Fenton."

"That reminds me; her son is a train-boy on the Erie road."

"Did you see him?"

"Yes, he made himself very obnoxious by his impertinent intermeddling.
He insisted upon my removing my poor Fido, in order to give that girl a
seat."

"What concern was it of his?"

"None at all, but he made such a fuss that I had to do it."

"You need not have done so. The train boy has no authority in such
matters."

"He called the conductor, and he took my poor darling into the baggage
car. Papa, can't you get him discharged?"

"I have no influence with the Erie officials, my dear. Besides, if I
deprive him of his chance to make a living, he and his mother will be
importuning me for money. Better leave well enough alone!"

This was the sort of argument that weighed with Luella Ferguson. She
was meanness personified, and would rather save money than be revenged
upon Fred.

"Do you think you will have any more trouble with this girl who called
to-night?"

"I should not be surprised if she called again to ask me to help her to
employment."

"If she does, advise her to go out to service. She could get a position
as chambermaid without difficulty."

"Remember, Luella, that in her own town she has held a good social
position. She may have too much pride."

"Then let her starve!" said Luella, harshly. "It is preposterous for a
pauper to be proud."

"She is not exactly a pauper," said Mr. Ferguson, who was not quite so
venomous in his hatred as his daughter.

"I forgot--she has a fortune of seventy-five dollars. Will you do me a
favor?"

"What is it?"

"If the girl comes again, turn her over to me."

"Very well, my dear. I shall be glad to do so. It will relieve me from
embarrassment."

"I shall feel no embarrassment. I shall rather enjoy it."

"By the way, Luella, how are you getting on with young Lindsay?"

Luella flushed a little, and a softer light shone in her eyes. She had
very little heart, but such as she had was given to Alfred Lindsay. At
first attracted by his wealth and social position--for on his mother's
side he belonged to one of the Knickerbocker families--she had ended by
really falling in love with him. In his company she appeared at her
best. Her amiable and attractive manners were not wholly assumed, for
the potent s