"I am afraid not, madam; but this money seems like a small fortune to me."
"You don't know what future luck is in store for you. I will keep the ring for you. You should know who has it. I am Miss Jane Wilmot, of 300 Madison avenue. I am called a strong-minded woman; I hope that won't prejudice you against me."
"It would be hard for me to become prejudiced against you after your liberality, Miss Wilmot. I wish there were more strong-minded woman like you."
"Now for your name, my child."
"I am Rose Beaufort; my sister's name is Adeline, and my little brother, twelve years old, is Harry."
"I have a great mind to go home with you, if you won't consider it an intrusion," said Miss Wilmot.
"Far from it, Miss Wilmot—that is, if you won't mind our humble quarters."
"If you can endure them week after week, I can get along for half an hour," said the spinster. "Lead the way, my dear. Is it far? If so, we will take a horse-car."
"It is less than half a mile, I should think," said Rose.