"She always wakes in the wrong time," said he, "and she saw me just as
I was about to give you a little bit of a hug--so"--and he proceeded
to demonstrate.

Rosamond's temper was up, and equally indignant at mother and son, she
started to her feet, exclaiming, "I'd thank you, sir, to let me
alone."

"Whew-ew," whistled Ben. "Spunky, ain't you. Now I rather like that.
But pray don't burst a blood vessel. I've no notion of making love to
you, if mother does think so. You are too small a girl."

"Too small a girl," repeated Rosamond, scornfully. "I'm _fourteen_ to-
morrow--quite too old to be insulted," and she darted away, followed
by the merry laugh of the good-humored Ben.

Two hours before, Rosamond would not have been so excited, for though
nearly fourteen, she was in thought and feeling a very child, as was
proved by her asking to kiss her benefactor's hand; but Mrs. Van
Vechten's remarks, repeated to her by Ben, had wrought in her a
change, and, in some respects, transformed her into a woman at once.
She did not care so much for the liberties Ben had attempted to take,
but his mother's words rankled in her bosom, awakening within her a
feeling of bitter resentment; and when, next day, the lady's bell rang
out its summons for her to come, she sat still upon the doorsteps and
gave no heed.

"Rosamond," said Mrs. Peters, "Mrs. Van Vechten is ringing for you."

"Let her ring, I'm not going to wait on her any more," and Rosamond