"I believe the quality of my work is getting known and appreciated," said Vernon, smiling at the young lady's amazement. "Your friends were fortunate enough to employ me when I was wholly unknown."
Some months after—to anticipate a little—when Vernon had become a fashionable portrait painter, Miss Simmons actually sat to him, and paid his price.
It is the way of the world. We are willing to pay any sum at the bidding of Fashion, with little regard to what we pay for.
But while Vernon's worldly success had improved, there was another consequence of his acquaintance with Grace which disquieted him. In spite of all the arguments which reason could offer, he felt that he was drifting—had already drifted—into love for the beautiful girl to whose kindness of heart he owed his new prosperity.
CHAPTER X.
MISS FRAMLEY'S ECONOMY.
Three days passed, and nothing more had been seen of Stephen Palmer in his step-mother's humble home.
"I hope he'll keep away," said Paul. "His coming can do no good, and gives no pleasure to any of us."
"I agree with you, Paul, though it seems hard to say that of one of the family."