"Well, I admit, Luella," said her father complacently, "you do seem to have a sharp eye to your own interests."
"Why shouldn"t I? I come honestly by it, papa, don"t I?"
"Well, perhaps----"
"You have been pretty sharp yourself, eh, papa? I fancy you have a pretty good sum of money salted down--that"s the term, isn"t it?"
"Well, I have something, but I don"t care to make a boast of it. There would be plenty who would want a share--for instance, Mrs. Fenton."
"That reminds me; her son is a train-boy on the Erie road."
"Did you see him?"
"Yes, he made himself very obnoxious by his impertinent intermeddling.
He insisted upon my removing my poor Fido, in order to give that girl a seat."
"What concern was it of his?"
"None at all, but he made such a fuss that I had to do it."
"You need not have done so. The train boy has no authority in such matters."
"He called the conductor, and he took my poor darling into the baggage car. Papa, can"t you get him discharged?"
"I have no influence with the Erie officials, my dear. Besides, if I deprive him of his chance to make a living, he and his mother will be importuning me for money. Better leave well enough alone!"
This was the sort of argument that weighed with Luella Ferguson. She was meanness personified, and would rather save money than be revenged upon Fred.
"Do you think you will have any more trouble with this girl who called to-night?"
"I should not be surprised if she called again to ask me to help her to employment."
"If she does, advise her to go out to service. She could get a position as chambermaid without difficulty."
"Remember, Luella, that in her own town she has held a good social position. She may have too much pride."
"Then let her starve!" said Luella, harshly. "It is preposterous for a pauper to be proud."
"She is not exactly a pauper," said Mr. Ferguson, who was not quite so venomous in his hatred as his daughter.
"I forgot--she has a fortune of seventy-five dollars. Will you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"If the girl comes again, turn her over to me."
"Very well, my dear. I shall be glad to do so. It will relieve me from embarra.s.sment."
"I shall feel no embarra.s.sment. I shall rather enjoy it."
"By the way, Luella, how are you getting on with young Lindsay?"
Luella flushed a little, and a softer light shone in her eyes. She had very little heart, but such as she had was given to Alfred Lindsay. At first attracted by his wealth and social position--for on his mother"s side he belonged to one of the Knickerbocker families--she had ended by really falling in love with him. In his company she appeared at her best. Her amiable and attractive manners were not wholly a.s.sumed, for the potent spell of love softened her and transformed her from a hard, cynical, selfish girl to a woman seeking to charm one who had touched her heart.
"He comes to see me very often, papa," she answered, coyly.
"And he seems impressed?"
"I think so," said Luella, lowering her eyes, while a gratified smile lighted up her face.
"He has never actually proposed?" asked Ferguson eagerly.
"Well, not exactly, but from his manner I think he will soon."
"I hope so, Luella. There is no one whom I would more prefer for a son-in-law."
"I shall not say him nay, papa."
"Of course not. He is rich and of distinguished family. He will make a very suitable mate for you."
"Yes, papa, I appreciate that, but you too are rich and of high social position."
"Well, daughter, I stand fairly, but as to family, I can"t boast much.
My father--your grandfather--was a village blacksmith. I have never told you that before."
"Horrors, papa!" exclaimed Luella. "You cannot mean this?"
"It is a sober fact. I have never told you, for I knew it would shock you."
"Does any one know it in our circle?"
"No. Indeed, the only one who is likely to have any knowledge of it is Mrs. Fenton and her son."
"The train boy!"
"Yes."
"If it should get out I should die of mortification."
"Neither you nor I are likely to mention it. I only referred to it to show the advantages of marrying a man of high lineage like Alfred Lindsay. I have money, but I have never been able to get into the inner circle to which the Lindsays belong. Money will buy much, but it won"t buy that. I hope yon will do your best to bring the young mail to the point."
"I will manage it, papa," said Luella complacently. "Do you know I have made up my mind to go to Europe on a wedding trip?"
"If Lindsay consents."
"He will do whatever I wish. I expect him to call this evening."
"Do you?"