"Martha Hyde, what is this which troubles me?"
"Indeed, I cannot tell."
"Does Jessie seem happy with her friend?"
"Very happy; I have seldom seen her so animated."
"But you have not told me plainly. Do you like this lady?"
"I—I cannot tell. She is beautiful; at least most people would think her so;—rich, I believe?"
I rather put this as a question.
"I think so. She had splendid rooms at the hotel, you know, and spent money freely, so Mr. Lee was told; but that is of little consequence; we want nothing of her riches if she has them."
"Certainly not; but if she has expensive habits without the means of gratifying them within herself, it is an important proof of character," I said. "May I ask, dear lady, who really recommended Mrs. Dennison to you or your daughter?"
"Oh! a good many people spoke highly of her; she was a general favorite!"