e lovely," Edith replied, bending
forward as if to examine more closely the filigree stamp box on the
desk, but in reality to conceal the flush of scorn that leaped into
her eyes.

"I knew you would like them," said madam, with a little note of
triumph in her voice; "they are exquisite, and Emil is going to have
them carefully packed, and take them along for you to use wherever you
stop in your travels. And the cloak and dresses--aren't they perfectly
elegant? The jewels, too, and other things in the dressing-case; have
you seen them?"

"Yes, I have seen them all; but--but I am very sorry that so much
money should have been spent for me," Edith faltered, a hot flush,
which her companion interpreted as one of pleasure and gratified
vanity, suffusing her cheeks.

"Oh, the money is of no account, if you are only happy," Mrs. Goddard
lightly remarked. "And now," she went on eagerly, "I want you to dress
yourself just as nicely as you can, and be ready, when the bell rings,
to come down to lunch, as it becomes--my sister. Will you, dear?" she
concluded, coaxingly. "Do, Edith, be reasonable; let us bury the
hatchet, and all be on good terms."

"I--I do not think I can quite make up my mind to go down to lunch,"
Edith faltered, with averted face.

Madam frowned; she had begun to think her victory was won, and the
disappointment nettled her. But she controlled herself and remarked
pleasantly:

"Well, then, I will send up your lunch, if you will promise to come
down and dine with us, will you?"

Edith hesitated a moment; then, drawing a long breath, she remarked,
as if with bashful hesitancy:

"I think, perhaps--I will go down later--by and by."

"Now you are beginning to be sensible, dear," said madam, flashing a
covert look of exultation at her, "and Emil will be so happy. Put on
this silver-gray silk--it is so lovely, trimmed with white lace--and
the pearls; you will be charming in the costume. I am sorry I have to
go directly after lunch," she continued, regretfully, "but I have a
call to make, and shall not be back for a couple of hours; but Emil
will be here; so if you can find it in your heart to be a little kind
to him, just put on the gray silk--or anything else you may
prefer--and go down to him. May I tell him that you will?"

"I will not promise--at least until after you return," murmured Edith,
in a low voice.

Madam could have laughed in triumph, for she believed the victory was
hers.

"Well, perh