immensely rich. Burton is his only son, and he will inherit the
estate, so you will be Lady Donaster. It is very seldom a girl meets
with such an opportunity in this province."

The girl gave her head a slight toss, and her face flushed more than
ever.

"I can hardly believe it possible that you are willing to barter your
only daughter for such baubles," she indignantly replied. "It is
unnatural."

The presence of the maid with tea and toast interrupted the
conversation for a few minutes. Jess poured the tea for her mother,
but took none herself.

"Are you not going to have any tea?" her mother asked.

"No, I do not care for any now, as I had some at Mrs. Merton's."

"So that's where you were, eh? Why didn't you go to the play?"

"I didn't want to. I preferred to spend a quiet hour or two with Mrs.
Merton. She is a woman who does things of some importance instead of
spending her time upon a giddy butterfly-life. She is a regular tonic,
and always inspires me to be up and doing."

"You are silly, Jess." Her mother was visibly annoyed. "Why should
you talk about being up and doing? Haven't you everything that you
desire, with the prospect of a brilliant career before you?"