ened, nervous one in the
lot."

"They were not afraid of me. Even the widow Larkum's baby cooed softly
until you were out of sight."

"It must be a child of amazing intelligence."

Mrs. Flaxman, looking more anxious than ever interjected a remark, not
very relevantly, about the prospect of our early winter; but Mr. Winthrop
allowed her remark to fall unheeded.

"You seem particularly interested in that tender-eyed widow and her
infant. Is it long since you made their acquaintance?"

"I cannot say that I am even now acquainted with her." I answered
politely.

"I should judge you had a weakness for widows. Mrs. Blake seems on very
cordial terms with you."

"I would take just as much interest in your widow, Mr. Winthrop, if she
was poor and sorrowful. The wheel of fortune may make a revolution some
day, and give me the opportunity."

He really seemed to enjoy the retort which fell uncontrollably from my
lips.

"Allow me to thank you beforehand for your kind offices to that afflicted
individual; though the prospect for their being required is not very good
at present."

"Mrs. Fleming has sent invitations for a garden-party," Mrs. Flaxman
interposed desperately. "I think Mr. Winthrop had better permit you to go
to New York for some additions to your toilet."

"I will accompany her myself; she might get entangled with widowers on
her next trip."

"Not if they are as provoking as the unmarried," I murmured below my
breath; but he seemed to catch my meaning.

"They understand the art of pleasing your sex amazingly. I believe you
would find them more fascinating than Mrs. Blake, or your new friend,
the widow Larkum."

I felt too sorrowful to reply, and my temper had quite expended itself.
I waited until he arose from the table and then followed him into the
library. He looked surprised, but very politely handed me a chair. I
bowed my thanks, but did not sit down; I stood opposite him with only
the study table between us. I was nervous, and half afraid to ask my
question, but summoning all my courage I broke the silence by
saying:--"Mr. Winthrop, will you please tell me if I am rich or poor?"'

"That is a comparative question," he answered with provoking coolness.
"Compared with Jay Gould or Vanderbilt, I should say your means were
limited; but, on the other hand, to measure your riches with your widowed
friends, most persons would allow your circumstances to be affluent."

"But have I any money left after m