Mrs. Bowers proved to be one of the most indulgent of mistresses, and the girl's position speedily became a sinecure as far as work was concerned.
At first she was given a few light tasks to avert suspicions, and lead her to think that everything was right. Then Mrs. Bowers began to flatter her, and one day she said:
"You are too pretty and refined, Jennie, to stay in the kitchen with that vulgar cook. You shall stay in the parlor and be my companion."
Nothing could have pleased the vain little creature better, for she thought that her master would respect her more in her new situation, and also that she would have more frequent opportunities of seeing him than had fallen to her lot in her menial position. She accordingly consented with ill-concealed delight.
Leon Vinton had played his cards very cleverly to win the farmer's pretty daughter.
She saw him very seldom at first, as he spent the greater part of his time in town, only visiting the cottage two or three times in the space of a week.
On the occasion of these visits Jennie saw but little of him, but some glance of his eye or tender smile made her heart beat fast and kept him in her thoughts when he was away.
But when the little maid was promoted to the parlor, Leon Vinton began to appear at home more frequently.
He lounged about the parlor with his cigar and newspaper, and chatted a great deal with his pretended sister and her pretty little companion.
Very often Mrs. Bowers would leave the room, and remain away for hours, leaving the handsome man and susceptible girl alone together.