st expect to make mistakes at the outset, but I
have great confidence in your good sense. I should have been afraid to
make the experiment in the case of many girls."

These words of my father brought the tears to my eyes. He had been
watching me after all, while I sometimes half fancied him oblivious of
my existence. At the moment, I was too confused to do more than thank
him and gather up in a dazed way the pamphlets he placed before me. He
put the little key that dangled from the tin box into the lock, and
disclosed to me the parchment securities within.

"Carefully managed, that ought to yield you six per cent net," said he.

"But what am I to do with so much money every year?" I cried aghast.

My father laughed, and said: "That is for you to decide, Virginia. You
will learn only too soon the part that money plays in the world," he
added gravely. "Prepare yourself to be courted and flattered for its
sake. Some people would say, 'Do not destroy her faith in human nature.
She will learn the truth soon enough.' I believe that to be forewarned
is to be forearmed. Good and true men are abundant, but there are
unscrupulous and mercenary ones as well, who will woo you for the sake
of your fortune and not because they love you.

"One word more," said he, without regard to the expression of pain that
overspread my face at his last speech. "Do not be afraid to use your
money. Avoid foolish extravagance, but learn to enjoy life and the
blessings at your disposal. It used to be considered wrong by our
forefathers to surround themselves with beautiful things, and any but
the simplest comforts. Some people are of that opinion still, but I do
not agree with them. Your own good sense will be the best criterion of
what is unduly ostentatious; but never hesitate to have anything you may
wish because you fear the verdict of others. In short, be independent,
and think for yourself if you wish to be happy. Your Aunt Helen has
undertaken the charge of your wardrobe; that is something of which I
know nothing. I can tell when a young lady is well dressed, but I am not
capable of selecting her dresses. Here, however," he said, taking the
plush-covered case from the table, "is something that will make your
toilet more complete."

I started with delight on raising the lid, to discover a superb necklace
of the largest pearls. Under the impulse of the moment I flung my arms
about my father's neck and kissed him. He seemed touched by my
im