Aspasia had gone, and Brownie was alone.
The debts were all paid, also the bequests to the servants, which Brownie had insisted upon, although strongly urged to invest the money for herself.
Mr. Conrad was obliged to do her bidding, and then, with a sigh of despair, placed two hundred dollars, all that remained of a fortune of a million, in her little hands.
“Why, I feel quite rich!” she exclaimed, merrily, as, after counting it over, she looked up and saw his quivering lip.
With a mighty effort he swallowed the sobs which nearly broke forth, and managed to say:
“Now, my dear child, you will come home with me for a while. Mrs. Conrad desires it, and Emily is lonely.”
“Thank you, dear Mr. Conrad, I cannot, as I have promised to be in New York to-morrow morning,” she answered, with an air of business which would have amused him had not his heart been so full.
“In New York to-morrow morning!” he ejaculated in astonishment.
“Yes, I have an engagement there.”
“An engagement? May I ask of what nature?” and he felt hurt that she had not consulted him regarding her movements for the future.