“Exactly. I don’t like to think that she manages—but whether she does or not, the results are as bad as if she did; and thoughtlessness—if it is only that, which I can’t believe—is quite as blamable as—as more intentional scheming.” 

 “Then of course,” said Mrs. Ferguson, “every one knows about her mother’s fortune—and men are so mercenary in these days.” 

 “Oh, Josie, I don’t like to speak of that myself, but it is such a relief to have you say it. That is the whole trouble. What sort of a chance have my poor dears, who will inherit so little compared to her wealth, and that not till—till we are through with it—against Constance? I call it really shameful of her to keep on standing in their light!” 

 “Have you—Couldn’t you let her see—drop a hint—of the unconscious injury she is—” 

 “That is the cruelty of my position,” moaned Mrs. Durant. “I should not hesitate a moment, but the world is so ill-natured about stepmothers that one has to be over-careful, and with daughters of my own, I’m afraid people—perhaps my own husband—would think I was trying to sacrifice her to them.” 

 “But have you no friend you could ask to—?” 

 “Josie! Would you?” eagerly interrupted Mrs. Durant. “She will be influenced, I know, by anything you—” 

 “Gracious, my dear, I never dreamed of—of you asking me! Why, I don’t know her in the least. I couldn’t, really.” 

 “But for my sake? And you know her as well as—as any one else; for Constance has no intimates or—” 

 “Don’t you see that’s it? I’d as soon think of—of—From me she would only take it as an impertinence.” 

 “I don’t see why everybody stands so in awe of a girl of twenty-three, unless it’s because she’s rich,” querulously sighed Mrs. Durant. 

 “I don’t think it’s that, Anne. It’s her proud face and reserved manner. And I believe those are the real reasons for her not marrying. However much men may admire her, they—they—Well, it’s your kittenish, cuddling kind of a girl they marry.” 

 “No; you are entirely wrong. Doubtless it is her money, but Constance has had plenty of admirers, and if she were less self—if she considered the interests of the family—she would have married years ago. But she is wholly blind to her duty, and checks or rebuffs every man who attempts to show her 

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