noon they promise to be home. The maids and men will be all in their places by tonight, and I think Jane will be pleased with the changes I have made."
"She ought to be, but ought often stands for nothing. It cost thee a goodish bit when thou hedn't much to count on."
"Not so much, mother—some paint and paper and yards of creton."
"And new white curtains 'upstairs and downstairs and in my lady's chamber.' Add to that men's and women's wage; and add to that, the love that could neither be bought nor sold."
"She is worth it all many times over."
"Happen she may be. Her aunt has had a heartbreaking lesson. She may say a few words to unsay words that she never should have spoken."
"I shall be thinking of Martha all day. I hope she will keep her confidence."
"What art thou talking about? Martha will do herself no injustice. It isn't likely. What is the matter with thee, John? Thou art as down-hearted as if all had gone wrong instead of right. O thou of little faith!"
"I know and I am sorry and ashamed, mother."
The next morning John had a charming letter from Jane. Martha had done wonderfully. She had played her part to perfection and there were only exclamations of delight at the airy, fairy cleverness of her conceptions of mimic royalty. Jane said the illustrated papers had all taken Martha's pic