t so much as deigning to
glance at the new-comer.

"My dear, let me present you to Miss Bain-- Miss Bain, my husband's
_protegee_, Rosamond Lee," exclaimed Mrs. Bassett.

Jessie bowed wistfully, shyly; Miss Rosamond barely lifted her eyebrows
in acknowledgment of the presentation.

The old gentleman and his wife screamed at each other on the main topics
of the day, Miss Rosamond looked exceedingly bored, while Jessie had
great difficulty in swallowing, her throat ached so severely.

CHAPTER XXIV.

"OH, TO SLEEP MY LIFE AWAY, AND BE WITH THEE AT REST!"

Rosamond Lee completely ignored the lovely young stranger seated at the
table opposite her; but Jessie had the uncomfortable feeling that she
was watching her.

The conversation had ceased, when suddenly Mr. Bassett announced: "I
have just received a letter from my grandson. He will be with us a week
from to-day. He will remain with us a month."

During the next few days the household was quite upset, so great were
the preparations made for the coming stranger. Most of the forenoons had
been spent by Jessie in reading the daily papers to the old couple in
the library. One morning Rosamond Lee came to her quite excitedly, just
as she was about to begin her duties.

"Miss Bain," she said, arching her eyebrows haughtily, "I do not think
my guardian has thought to mention the subject to you, but for the next
few weeks you are to exchange places with my maid, Janet; she has hurt
her hand, but that will not hinder her from reading the papers and
attending to Mrs. Bassett's wants. During that time, while you are
performing the services of maid to me, you will remember that your place
is not in the library, but in my own suite of rooms. I must also mention
to you that you will be excused from joining us at the table."

Jessie flushed and then paled. It was not so much on account of the
menial position to which she was assigned, as the manner in which the
change had been made known to her.

"You may as well commence your duties at once," said Rosamond,
imperiously, "and make the change to my apartments without further
delay."

"I have a letter to write for Mrs. Bassett, to her grandson, I believe,"
said Jessie, in a low voice. "Shall I not remain in the library until
after that is done? Mrs. Bassett told me to remind her of it to-day."

"Never mind about it," said Rosamond Lee, hurriedly, "I will attend to
it. I always write the letters to her grandson for