oyment there was nothing, perhaps, which pleased her better than to
think on a cold winter's night, when the piercing winds were roaring
about the house, that poor old Nancy Shott was lying warm and
comfortable under two of the finest blankets which ever came from
Californian looms.

The great object of Willy Croup's thoughts at this time was not the
park,--for she could not properly appreciate trees and grass in this
shivery weather,--but the entertainment, the grand lunch, or the very
high tea which was to be given to Mrs. Buskirk and daughters on the
hill. This important event had been postponed because the sleighing had
become rather bad and the Buskirks had gone to the city.

But as soon as they returned, Willy hoped with all her heart that Mrs.
Cliff would be able to show them what may be done in the line of
hospitable entertainment by people who had not only money but something
more. There had been a time when Willy thought that when people wished
to entertain there was nothing needed but money, but then she had not
lived in the house with the Misses Thorpedyke, and had not heard them
and Mrs. Cliff discuss such matters.

The peace of mind of Mrs. Cliff was disturbed one day by the receipt of
a letter from Mr. Burke, who wrote from New York and informed her that
he had found a yacht which he believed would suit her, and he wished
very much that she would come and look at it before he completed the
purchase.

Mrs. Cliff did not wish to go to New York and look at yachts. She had
then under consideration the plan of a semicircular marble terrace which
was to overlook one end of a shaded lakelet, which Mr. Humphreys, her
professional adviser, assured her she could have just as well as not, by
means of a dam, and she did not wish to interrupt this most interesting
occupation. Mr. Humphreys had procured photographs of some of the
romantic spots of the Luxemburg, and Mrs. Cliff felt within herself the
gladdening impulses of a good magician as she planned the imitation of
all this classic beauty.

Besides, it was the middle of March, and cold, and not at all the season
in which she would be able to properly appreciate the merits of a yacht.
Still, as Mr. Burke had found the vessel and wanted her to see it, and
as there was a possibility, he had written, that delay might cause her
to lose the opportunity of getting what she wanted, and as she was very
desirous of pleasing him, she decided that she and Willy would go