"Mamma does. Failing that, she wants old Lancaster and perquisites."
"Who does? Why, Mr. Lancaster is old enough to be her father!"
"Pile's old, too," said Wickersham, dryly.
"She doesn't care about that either," said Keith, shortly.
"Oh, doesn't she! You know her mother?"
"No; I don't believe she does. Whatever her mother is, she is a fine, high-minded girl."
Ferdy gave a laugh which might have meant anything. It made Keith hot all over. Keith, fearing to trust himself further, changed the subject and asked after the Rawsons, Wickersham having mentioned that he had been staying with them.
"Phrony is back at home, I believes She has been off to school. I hear she is very much improved?"
"I don't know; I didn't notice her particularly," said Wickersham, indifferently.
"She is very pretty. Jake Dennison thinks so," laughed Keith.