ay corners of Asia,
with new and marvellous discoveries. He is so excited and interested
that he almost forgets other matters, and the time being short, every
day is precious. Violet understands this, and amuses herself and Cecil,
drives out to the cottage and spends days with Denise, and is a happy,
bright little creature. Mrs. Latimer comes up for two or three days,
which is utterly delightful.

Madame meanwhile has her hands full. She is sought after, and
invitations accumulate on her table. Her callers are the _creme_ of the
city. Brokers who are up early, drop in to her elegant little teas and
bring her bouquets when roses are at their highest. Professional men
find a wonderful charm in her conversation. There are generally one or
two bright women beside, and the room takes on the appearance of a
select party. She gives a superb little dinner, to which Floyd goes,
but Violet does not, though warmly invited. Often after working all day
he takes the evening train down to the city, and long before he is back
Violet is asleep. They are quietly happy. He _is_ fond, though a good
deal preoccupied.

Yet the time does not hang heavily. There have been several more plays
and some fine concerts, but when they have taken the late train the
pleasure has been somewhat fatiguing. Letters come from Gertrude, who
admits that she grows foolishly happy. The professor makes such a
delightful husband. She cannot go about a great deal, but he describes
places and people to her, and she enjoys it quite as much. Gertrude
certainly is not _exigeant_, and she has a touch of tender gratitude
that makes the professor feel continually that he has done a good deed
by marrying her, which is a flattering unction to the man's generous
soul.

March comes in, and the pressing work being done, Floyd turns to the
business. It is a success, but he is not any more in love with it. They
have demonstrated now that the new looms carry a secret that must
revolutionize trade. He holds long interviews with Mr. Connery and
Ralph Sherburne. He has the privilege, being joint executor with Mr.
Sherburne, of selling out all St. Vincent's right and title, and he has
already been offered a fortune for it. He will deal justly and fairly
by the dead man's genius, and Violet will be an heiress, which in one
way gratifies, and in another way pains. He likes his mother and the
world to know that Violet has a rank of her own, since money confers
that, and in the futu