d much to promote this. We were
absent from home eight weeks, and we visited all the principal cities
and saw the chief sights of the West. My father was assiduous in his
kindness. He took pains to explain to me the immense value and
importance of the wool and the wheat and the cattle and the ore which
were the staple products of the States and Territories through which we
passed. He showed me on the map the immense net-work of railways by
means of which these industries, if not consumed at home, were carried
to the seaboard either of the Atlantic or the Pacific, and made
profitable to the producer by exportation to foreign lands. He tried to
interest me in such commercial and economic questions, so that, as he
said, I need not like most women remain in entire ignorance regarding
the vital interests of the world. Although I was still stolid and
indifferent in manner, I listened attentively to his instructions and
appreciated the service he was doing me.

One evening shortly after our return, Aunt Helen said to me, with a
prefatory cough which was apt to be a sign that she regarded the topic
to be broached as delicate,--

"Virginia, it is time for you to be thinking about your party dresses.
Of course it is too late now to send to Paris; but I fancy it is
possible to get tolerable things here, if one is ready to pay a little
more."

"I shall not require party dresses. I am not going anywhere this
winter," I answered quietly.

As I have just intimated, Aunt Helen was somewhat apprehensive regarding
my plans, owing to a few hints which I had let fall at Tinker's Reach.
She had suggested my sending an order to Paris about a fortnight
subsequent to my last interview with Mr. Dale, but I declined
emphatically to do so. It was evident, however, from her expression that
my resolve was a source of surprise and dismay to her.

"Not go anywhere? Why, people will think you are ill."

"My looks will belie that, Aunt Helen."

"It will seem so odd and peculiar. A girl always enjoys her second
winter more than the first. Just when you have come to know everybody
too! I hope you will reconsider this, dear. You had better order the
dresses at any rate," she continued; "you might want to go when the time
comes, and then it would be too late."

I shook my head decisively: "I am sorry to disappoint you, but my mind
is made up."

Aunt Helen coughed again. "You are not disappointing _me_; it is only on
your own account that I feel