ton.

"Like is scarcely the word. I've never imagined anything like it in my
life."

"It belonged to Madame du Barri, the mistress of a French king."

"I've read something about her."

"He always wished to give her a toilette set of pure gold, but could
never quite afford it. I hope to get one next year if things go well."

Mavis stared at Mrs Hamilton in wide-eyed amazement. The rich woman
appeared to take no notice of the girl's surprise, and said:

"Sit by the fire with me a moment. It will soon be time for you to
dress."

"Dress! I've only what I've got on with me. My one poor evening dress
would look absurd in this house."

"I told you I'd see to that," replied Mrs Hamilton. "I've had a young
friend staying with me who was just about your build. She left one or
two of her evening dresses behind her. If they don't quite fit, my maid
will take them in."

"You are good to me," said Mavis.

"If you like it, I'll give you one."

"How can I ever thank you?"

"You can to-night."

"To-night?"

"Listen. I've two old friends coming to dinner. One is a Mr--Mr Ellis,
but he won't interest you a bit."

"Why not?"

"He's old and is already infatuated."

"Isn't the other, then?" asked Mavis lightly.

"Mr--Mr Williams! No. I wonder if you'd interest him."

"I don't suppose so for one moment," remarked Mavis.

"You're too modest. Mr Williams is young, good-looking, rich."

"Money doesn't interest me."

"Nonsense!"

"Really, it doesn't."

"Not after your wanting work for so long?"

"Not a bit."

"Not when you see it can buy things like mine?"

"Of course money is wonderful, but it isn't everything."

"You say that because you don't know. Money is power, happiness,
contentment, life. And you know it in your heart of hearts. Every
woman, who is anything at all, knows it. Surely, after all you've gone
through, it appeals to you?"

Mrs Hamilton anxiously watched Mavis's face.

"Not a bit like it seems to--to some people," replied Mavis.

Mrs Hamilton's face fell. She was lost in anxious thought for some
moments.

"Do you mind?" asked Mavis.

"Of course not. But we'll talk it over after you've seen Mr Williams."

"But is it so necessary for his happiness that he should be infatuated
with anyone?"

"It might keep him from worse things. He's very impulsive and romantic.
I've quite a motherly interest in the boy. You might assist me to
reclaim him."

[Footnote: ]Although Mrs Hamilton spoke