"It is absolute extortion," said the economical young lady, as she went up stairs again. "It is very provoking, for Mrs. Palmer sews exquisitely. If I hold off for awhile, I may bring her to my terms. Twenty-five cents a day is a very fair price for such easy work as sewing, in my opinion."
"Well," thought Paul, as he bent his steps homeward, "there are certainly some mean people in the world. Evidently Miss Framley is rich, but I wouldn't be as mean as she for all her money."
He wasn't far from home when, in passing one of the brilliantly lighted stores on Clark street, his attention was drawn to a young lady just descending from a carriage. As the light fell upon her face, he recognized his traveling acquaintance of a few days before.
"Miss Dearborn!" he cried, hastening forward with a pleasant smile of recognition.
Grace turned.
"Why, it is my friend of the train!" she said, cordially. "Aunt Caroline"—for Mrs. Sheldon was just behind her—"this is Paul Palmer, who tried to save my purse from the pickpocket."
"It is a pity he had not succeeded, Grace. I presume the unprincipled man has spent most of it by this time."
"Very likely," said Grace, with a laugh. "Well, Paul, have you met with any more adventures, or rescued any more young ladies from the schemes of dangerous men?"
"I have not had a chance, Miss Dearborn."
"But I don't doubt you would be ready. How is my namesake?"