wealth. I don't want her to enjoy it so much that she will come back
discontented with her own plain home."

"Oh, nonsense, my dear sir! A glimpse of city life and a taste of
frivolity will do your girl good. Dolly is too sensible a sort to be a
prey to envy or discontent. I know Dolly fairly well, and I can vouch
for her common sense!"

"So can I," said Bernice. "Doll will enjoy everything to the limit,
but it won't hurt her disposition or upset her happiness to see the
sights of the city for a short time. Oh, please, Mr. Fayre, do let her
go."

"Just as her mother thinks," and Mr. Fayre smiled at the insistent
Bernice.

"Tell me of the household," said Mrs. Fayre. "Is your brother's wife
living?"

"Jeff has never been married," replied Mr. Forbes. "He is an elderly
bachelor, and, I think is a bit lonely, now and then. But he is also a
little eccentric. He desires no company, usually. It is most
extraordinary that he should ask these girls. But I think he wants to
see his two nieces, and he fears he cannot entertain them pleasantly
unless they have other companions of their own age."

"And who would look after the girls?"

"Mrs. Berry, my brother's housekeeper. She is a fine noble-hearted and
competent woman, who has kept his house for years. I know her, and I