"To a splendid young gentleman of wealth and rank in England."
"How romantic! Tell me all about it, dear mamma!" cried Geraldine, anxious to know the worst.
"You are laughing at me, Geraldine," her mother cried, doubtfully.
"No, no, mamma; I was only smiling at my transformation. Such a little while ago I was simply a poor shop-girl in a New York dry-goods store, and engaged to marry a fireman, who was considered an exceedingly good match for me. Now I find myself a rich young heiress, betrothed to an English nobleman. It is quite startling."
"I believe you regret your good fortune!" cried the lady.
Geraldine answered with a burst of tears.
For a few moments she sobbed vehemently; then calming herself, she sighed.
"Dear mamma, I can never regret that I have found you, but I can never cease to deplore your hardness of heart that would part me from my heart's chosen one!"
"Hardness of heart," echoed the mother, reproachfully.