Linda, but that's just to make me furious, for you know it's true!
I admire Mrs. Carter, and I assure you that if ever I do marry--
which as you know I won't--you may be very sure that money is the
first thing I shall think about!"

It was their only ground for real dissension. Harriet usually was
ready to laugh and forget it almost instantly; but Linda, who was
deeply spiritual, never ceased to pray that all the dangers of
life at Crownlands would pass safely over the little sister's
beloved head, and that some real man, "like Fred," would win
Harriet's turbulent and restless heart, after all.




CHAPTER II


Madame Carter, gathering her draperies about her, was one of the
first to leave the terrace. Dressing for dinner was a slow and
serious business for her. She gave Harriet a cold, appraising
glance as she passed her; Richard Carter had risen to escort his
mother, but she delayed him for a moment.

"Miss Nina gone in, Miss Field?"

Harriet, whose manner with all old persons was the essence of
scrupulous formality, rose at once to her feet.

"Nina has gone to change her dress, Madame Carter."