They entered the café, which was cooled by the large amount of marble and the electric fans blowing on the huge cubs of ice. A terrible waste of ice Ella considered, but lovely the way it cooled things. The two gentlemen sat on either side of her at the high tabled bar, where Leslie ordered all three lemonades with cherries. Ella brushed back a wisp of hair before she sipped the sour sweet lemonade. “I don’t think I have ever seen you before, Miss Ella. Are you new to Reverdy?” “No, Mr. Bayard, I’ve grown up in Reverdy.” Ella said this quietly as if afraid of that statement. Colin picked up on the nervous note in her voice, and he helped. “Leslie, you must remember that we have been away for quite awhile.” “Oh, yes, true, true. We have been at school you see Miss Ella, studying for no particular purposes I’m afraid. So although it is not surprising that we have never met, it is nonetheless a great shame.” Leslie smiled and meant his words not as a come on, but sincere spur of the moment speech. Colin looked at his friend with caution written on his face. “Studying? Really?” Ella’s voice rose with enthusiasm. “Pray, what were you studying?” Leslie didn’t answer, because he was engaged at the moment in a great smile. Colin was obliged to answer “I studied law and philosophy, while Leslie studied…well he studied a great deal of things I suppose.” “I am not so much interested in one thing as I am many,” Leslie carelessly explained. Ella turned back to face Colin. “I know nothing of law, but have some books about philosophy which I greatly enjoy.” Colin appeared surprised. “Really?” “Well, my Father was a great reader and philosophy was one of his favorite subjects I believe.” Ella pushed back the sad feeling that emanated from her stomach: She didn’t really know what her Father liked, because when she was ten when he died, too early for her to know him as a person. “My friend here will have you think that I am not intelligent, but that is his pride,” Leslie said laughing. “Leslie is intelligent, of course, but not dedicated to any one thing…not a crime, but not a good quality. Nevertheless, I hope I have no undue pride. I am a bit too bookish, which is why your particular interest has appealed to me,” Colin’s smile was warm but sheepish. “We needn’t talk seriously on such a hot day, need we Miss Ella?” Ella smiled at being asked for her opinion, but did not give it for Leslie had already begun speaking of horses. “Do you ride Miss Ella?” “Heavens no. I’ve never sat atop a horse.” “Really, that surprises me immensely for a great number of ladies know how to ride in these parts…although I suppose it grows less common.” “Considerably so, what with the comfort of trains or river travel,” Colin nodded, finishing his lemonade. “I’m afraid I haven’t ever taken a trip on a train, so I have not much to say.” “Never traveled?” “I’ve spent my entire life in Reverdy, first with my Father and then with my Sister.” Leslie was intensely curious and his friend was afraid that he would cross the line of good taste in inquiring after this young girl’s family, who appeared so innocent and open, so he cut them off. “Shouldn’t you be getting home Miss Ella, before the heat becomes more oppressive?” “Oh, yes, I suppose that is right. Thank you Mr. Duncan, and thank you Mr. Bayard for the lemonade. I am very much in debt for your kindness.” “Think not on it, Miss Ella. It was my expressed pleasure.”
As Ella walked down the street the way she had headed when Leslie had intercepted her, Leslie stared after her. “What a lovely figure.” “What of her intellect, Leslie? She seemed quite intelligent. She reads philosophy!” Colin felt a bit angered by his friend’s comment. “Don’t get upset, my friend. I think her everything that is sweet and wonderful and good. I was only admiring her lovely shape. That doesn’t mean I think any less of her pretty face or angelic voice.” “Take care, Leslie.” “May I ask why?” “This girl is something different, special perhaps…I will not attempt to alter that view, because I support it, but we do not know her, because she is not of our social set.” “I have never seen such snobbery in you Colin. Boston has quite spoiled you I’m afraid.” “I only know how you are…falling quickly in love and this girl is not in a position to be trifled with I’m afraid.” “She looked very well.” Leslie tried to speak respectfully of the expense of apparel. “Yes, but did you not catch that her parents are dead, Leslie?” “No?” Leslie sounded stricken. “Yes, she lives with her sister. I see nothing wrong with a middle class girl, in fact they are entirely more appealing than those of the set we have been offered as far as I’m concerned, but when presented with you…” Leslie looked at Colin uncomprehending. “I have proclaimed you intelligent, but you are inapt at the art of the social world. Miss Ella, may be more taken by you because of the hopes you present to her.” “Good God, Colin. How serious you have become lately. We have only just met Miss Ella, and perhaps we might never run across her path again, which I hope we will.” “You will see to it I am sure.”
Ella entered the house which some might call a shack, what with its ill fitted wood walls and the tin roof. She seemed very out of place in her clean light blue dress, which could easily have been assumed to be the ordinary dress of someone of a higher economic class. She saved this dress as well as a couple others for trips to the Main Street. It was Ella’s only indulgence that she kept very good care of her person, what with creams and perfumes and of course well mended and washed clothes, some of which had been her sisters and were therefore a bit out of style. She put her basket down on the dry sink, where her sister washed dishes vigorously, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Ella’s sister, while of the same coloring as Ella once, had become haggard and faded looking. The only hint of her former bloom of youth was her sparkling blue eyes, the same color as Ella’s, that Mr. Bayard had been so enchanted with upon meeting her. Her faded brown and blond hair hung lank about her face, and she stood about two inches taller than Ella did and a good deal thinner. “You were gone longer than usual. Was there a crowd at the Grocer?” “No, I was treated to a lemonade at the café.” Ella tried to sound casual, because she wasn’t sure how Shirley would take this bit of information. “Help me set the table Mina,” Shirley called to one of the three rooms where Shirley, her husband Keith, and Shirley’s daughter Mina slept. “I’m sorry, I haven’t been of any help today,” Ella said taking the pot from her sister. Shirley sat down exhausted, drooping over the chair as if she would melt. Her clothes were not the clean and bright compliment to Ella’s. The little girl was four years old and quite small for her age with great big gray eyes and dark hair, which was cut close from a sickness. She placed the plates on the table and climbed into the rickety wood chair that rocked from an uneven floor. “Are you feeling better today, Mina?” “Yes, Aunt Ella.” “Good.” Ella spooned the thick soup onto everyone’s plates, silently thanking God that Keith made enough on the wharves to always feed them well. As she sat down she noticed Shirley’s eyes on her. “I’ll be of more help tomorrow.” “You were invited to the café?” “Yes,” Ella nodded unable to suppress her pretty smile of delight. “By who?” “A Mr. Bayard and a Mr. Duncan.” Shirley’s eyes grew large. “How did that come to be?” “Do you know them?” “I have heard of the Bayards from Papa’s business.” “Oh, well, don’t tell me anything horrible about their family, because it would ruin a perfect day.” “I had always hoped that your pretty face would engage some eligible gentlemen, but I had never hoped for such prospects.” “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far, Shirley. I have never been invited into the café by anyone before.” “The Bayards are some of the richest people in Reverdy.” “Surely you exaggerate. Everyone seems very rich or very poor when one is younger, Shirley. But let’s not delve into the details, because I feel as if the day will wilt under closer inspection.” “All right. Mr. Emmett won’t be home till late tonight. He was going to work a double shift.” Ella nodded, not particularly listening, while Mina climbed into her lap, pulling at her hair.
Chapter 2
Ella rung out the white nightgown she had finished washing behind the house where she could see the river just a few blocks away with all it’s activity. She had a love hate relationship with the Mississippi, because she loved the big boats and the wonderful things that they carried, but she hated that her family had been reduced to working on the wharves. Her Father had been an apothecary and they had lived above the shop in very respectable middle class apartments, where the girls never lacked for anything. Ella’s mother died when she was only four, and she didn’t much remember her, but her Father was such that Ella never felt a terrible loss. When she was nine Shirley had married Mr. Neil, who was a respected shop keeper for the Grocer…someone not of great fortune or even on as good as Mr. Douglas, but he hoped to someday take over the Grocer. Little did they know that a year later, when Ella was only ten, Mr. Douglas himself would die, and so little would be left that Mr. Neil would be unable to keep the store or pay someone to run it. So, the apothecary store was sold, as well as the comfortable apartment where Ella had grown up thus far. Ella was stricken with grief at the death of her father, but Mr. Neil was very generous with her and treated her with the utmost kindest and very much like a brother. Ella grew accustomed to the sometimes cramped but carefully decorated and cleaned house of Mr. and Mrs. Neil. It was a happy day indeed those four years ago when Mina had been born. The sadness of Ella’s life was not to be removed for long however, because when Mina was one, Mr. Neil and Mina contracted a serious illness, and Mr. Neil died and Mina barely lived and was forever ill. Shirley was understandably shaken, but her prospects were also incredibly bad. Being young, Mr. Neil had died without any extra money and Shirley could not afford the house much longer, so she married Keith Emmett shortly after Mr. Neil died to have someone to take care of her daughter. Unfortunately, at the age of 24, lacking any money or promise of it, and carrying the baggage of a sickly child and a 15-year-old sister, there was no choosing. When Mr. Emmett showed interest in her she threw herself at him with her beauty which as of yet had not faded. Ella shook her head and pinned up the nightgown wishing things could have been different, but long ago determining not to dwell on it.
“Here Ella…let me do that,” Shirley said coming out the door and wiping her hands on her apron. “That’s all right, I’m already finished,” Ella said smiling at her sister, who rarely had the time to smile. Shirley began to lend a hand to the wringing while Ella hung the clothes on the line. “How does Mina feel toady?” “Just fine. Listen Ella, some things are going to change around here.” “How so?” “You’re to leave this hard work to me.” “Hard work? Why this isn’t hard, and besides, you do so much as it is.” “This harsh soap will ruin your hands. Let me see them.” Ella dutifully held them out, palm up, and Shirley took them. Ella wondered what had come over her sister who had stopped worrying about her appearance all together a number of years ago, and she believed silently didn’t approve of Ella’s vanity. “They’re not too bad, but all the same no more laundry or dishes. It isn’t good to have your hands in water all day.” “Shirley what are you talking about?” Shirley silently turned back to the laundry line where she continued to hang clothes some of that looked worn thin. “We’ll have to try and make you some new clothes, although we can’t cut from the food budget, because I can’t have you looking thin.” Ella put her hand on Shirley’s shoulder. “I have my reasons, Ella dear. Why don’t you go out tonight?” “Where? I haven’t been invited anywhere.” Ella was befuddled. “We can use my wedding clothes to trim some of your older things,” Shirley cried as she ran towards the house picking up her skirts. Ella followed her into the house and ran past Mina who sat coloring at the table. Shirley was in Ella’s room where the family’s clothes were stored, because that was where the most room was available. Shirley had already pulled out the trunk that contained her wedding clothes from her first marriage. They had been too sacred to even wear at the second one, but now she wanted to cut them up for Ella’s wardrobe. “Sister, there is no need to do this. Just consider I never go anywhere.” Shirley pulled out her white gown. “We can use the skirt for new sleeves, because I’ve seen some ladies wearing gowns of two colors. Won’t that do nicely? I don’t know why I kept these things for so long in this trunk.” “Oh, no,” Ella whispered kneeling down next to her sister, “these are your wedding things, Shirley. You married Mr. Neil in those things.” “Yes, Ella, I realize that, but things change,” she said finding a clear voice with some difficulty. “Now just look at this trimming here, we can easily remove it and put it on some of your other things. These boots will do just fine, although the fashion is not quite so low anymore.” Ella was surprised that Shirley noticed these things, because she showed no inclination towards them. “And these underclothes will do for you nicely since you don’t have any nice ones for yourself. Although the lace would do better for you where it can be seen, but that can be changed as easily as a few stitches and ripping. Oh thank God the stockings aren’t moth-eaten. They are silk, darling. I only hope they aren’t too long.” “I wouldn’t dream of wearing silk stockings, Shirley.” “No, perhaps you’re right. It probably wouldn’t be proper to go about in these…they are a bit naughty, but on your wedding day…Well, these things will help us along immensely.” “I have no where to wear your beautiful things, Shirley.” “Nonsense! Go shopping tomorrow in Main Street.” “Shopping! We don’t have that kind of money, Shirley.” Her sister left the room carrying her possessions and placing them on the table so that Mina had to move her things. Mina held up the drawing for Ella to see, and Ella bent over to kiss the crown of her head. “Get your pink dress, I want to see this trim next to it.” Ella hadn’t seen Shirley so determined about anything for months, so she wordlessly complied. “You don’t have to actually buy anything. Just give the appearance of it, and smile. You have a very pretty smile, and you should use it. Don’t go scurrying about looking at the ground. Only remember what we once were.” Ella bit her tongue from saying ‘Only respectable.’ It seemed as time went by that Shirley built up their prior life. “Let your nails grow, you shouldn’t have to worry about them breaking as long as I’m doing the hard work.” “I would hate to see you take on an extra load.” “I didn’t want you to feel like you were our only hope, Ella, because a desperate girl is unattractive, but with your looks and intelligence I should hope that we could find you someone of at least Mr. Neil’s worth.” Ella bit her lip. She was being dressed up to catch a man, like a prize pig. “Shirley…I could never marry where there wasn’t love on both sides,” Ella whispered. The pain in Shirley’s eyes displayed the fact that she had married in order to save the family, but her sister was not willing to do so. “I had not supposed you would.” Shirley’s tone edged on icy. “I am very selfish, but I don’t suppose any of this will work anyway.” “Perhaps not, but we will try, and meanwhile have some fun,” her smile looked unpracticed and crooked.
The door opened and Keith came in looking filthy. “This is our secret,” Shirley harshly whispered grabbing up the clothes and leaving the room. Instinctively Mina came to stand by Ella, who took up her tiny hand. “You’re home early today,” choked Ella, feeling the deception would be plainly obvious to this callused man. “Yeah, well there wasn’t much doing over there,” he said gesturing towards the river. “Dinner isn’t ready…we weren’t expecting you so soon.” “He can wait,” Shirley said as she came into the room again this time empty handed. “We were doing laundry all morning, but I don’t suppose that means anything to you…never cleaned anything. Did you get paid today?” “Yeah,” he said throwing down a wad of dirty bills and change, and collapsing in one of the chairs, which made Ella fear it would break under the weight of Keith’s heavy set body. Shirley picked it up, and wiped off the table, trying to keep things clean when it wasn’t possible. She began to count. “Is this extra from the extra shift you worked yesterday?” Keith grunted an affirmative. “Mina get your Papa a glass of water,” Ella urged. Shirley began to divvy up the money into piles as she was accustomed to doing on Fridays: One pile for food, one for medicine, which was always needed, one for soap and other cleaners, and one which she began anew…the pile which was to outfit Ella in better clothes. “You should often work those double shifts,” Shirley said looking over Keith’s shoulder at Ella, “the extra money will come in handy.”
Chapter 3
As Shirley had insisted Ella went shopping. For some few hours of boredom looking at things she could not afford, she saw no one of interest or no on whom had any interest in her, even in her pink dress with the new white trim from the wedding clothes and the new boots. What would have made her feel complete would have been a parasol, a white one with fringe; Shirley insisted that they would soon be able to purchase one. For the meantime, she must make do with the bonnet she wore, which hid her hair, and this was a great shame, as Shirley bemoaned. So, as she was instructed, Ella would dutifully take off her bonnet every time she entered a store, in order to let her hair breathe. Ella walked outside in the bustling Main Street and looked wistfully towards the library, where she had often wished to enter, but was unable since she was not registered. The building, next to the courthouse, was the finest building in Reverdy, complete with pillars and high stone steps. This must be what Rome is like, Ella thought wistfully.
Colin was heading in the same direction as Ella, who in her reverence had stopped unaware, of anyone. Colin did not recognize her from the back, only having met her briefly, and therefore he passed right by her, only glancing sidewise at the unmoving girl on the sidewalk. When he did, he recognized at once the amazingly pretty Ella Douglas, and upon recognizing her countenance, Colin stopped and interrupted her reverie. “Excuse me. Pray, Miss Douglas, Miss Ella Douglas? Perhaps you remember me? Colin Duncan?” Ella turned her face surprised to be spoken to for the first time today. “Of course, yes, Mr. Duncan. I remember you very well...it has only been a few days, has it not?” “Yes, I suppose it has been just a couple. I was on my way into the library. Were you likewise headed?” Ella opened her mouth and shut it again, biting her lip, and she looked down at the sidewalk staring at Mr. Duncan’s well-polished boots. “I am afraid that I have often wished to enter, but I have not a registered account there.” “Why, but Miss Ella, the books are free as long as they are returned on time, and the registering fee is but a trifle. Let me take you as my treat,” Colin implored, taking Miss Ella’s elbow to guide her. “Oh, but I haven’t the money with me at the moment.” Indeed she didn’t have it at all, and Shirley would be upset if the money she had saved would have to pay off a library fee. “That’s all right. I consider the fee as a gift…to a friend…there is no need to pay me back, because it will do me good to think of you curled up with a book.” Ella tried to protest, but the thought of a fresh supply of books caused her to keep quiet. “Thank you Mr. Duncan. I can’t see why, but thank you. You are most generous.” Ella thought to herself that he must have some inkling of her economic state.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Duncan,” the librarian said quietly nodding her head in a bobbing motion. “Are there still books left unread here for you?” “A few I believe. I would like to open an account for Miss Douglas please.” Ella swallowed as the librarian looked at her over her spectacles. I am just as well bred as she, Ella thought, trying to shore her confidence up. “Certainly, we love to have new readers.” The librarians smile put Ella more at ease. The lady opened a great leather book with all amounts of yellowed pages filled with the ink of names, and began to write Ella’s own name, which made Ella’s heart beat quicker…a member of the library, she thought happily. Mr. Duncan pulled out some bank notes, and Ella looked away to persuade herself that this was no hardship on Mr. Duncan.
Into the library proper they entered, and Ella glanced all about her. Everywhere were books in long rows of very tall bookshelves. To her left and right were very tightly winding metal stairways which led to the second level which was openly visible from the lower floor with it’s books against the curved wall. There were also a few tables, where a number a people sat pouring through newspapers and reference books. The light was extremely bright, which Ella hadn’t expected, but was pleased with nonetheless. “I shouldn’t know where to start.” “Do you like fiction?” “Oh, yes, but I enjoy the historical and informative just as well, for they are what I am used to from my father’s collection.” “Well, I think the heat of the summer is well suited towards fiction, and so I have set my heart on that for the moment. Perhaps you will accompany me to those sections dedicated to that particular diversion?” “Oh, yes, of course.” Ella eagerly followed the tall Colin through the isles looking about her. He stopped and began to glance over the titles of the books in front of him, and Ella watched for guidance. “Here it is. I was afraid it had been taken out. Have you read ____?” “No, sir.” He handed her the book, which had come from very high off the shelf where Ella could not reach. “I think you will like that. If you wish to go on my suggestion.” Ella cracked the book open thinking she would be glad to read anything new. “Oh, yes. This looks wonderful.” Ella could not help the tears that were welling up in her eyes at the kindness of Mr. Duncan for bringing her to this heaven. Mr. Duncan politely ignored these embarrassing tears, but pulled out his handkerchief and handing it to her began to search the bookshelves for himself. “They should not make the bookshelves so high, for you would not be able to search these higher one’s had I not been here,” Colin said absently. “Yes,” Ella said dabbing at her eyes. After a few minutes, Mr. Duncan found something that suited his taste, and Ella offered him back his handkerchief. “That’s all right. Keep it, Miss Ella. Would you like something more intellectual…a book of history perhaps?” “Shall I be able to finish two books before they are due?” “You will have three weeks, and I dare say someone of your intellect will have no trouble finishing two books if not three in that time.” So, Ella followed Mr. Duncan up the winding staircase where the historical books were kept. Ella left the library with two books and Mr. Duncan with three, and the librarian smiled kindly at the two as they left. “Oh, thank you so much Mr. Duncan. I am so grateful!” “It was my pleasure Miss Ella. I hope you enjoy your books.” They walked down the steps, Colin carrying both of their books as well as supporting her arm. “Have you seen your friend Mr. Bayard lately, Mr. Duncan?” Ella inquired quietly. Colin looked at her curiously and seemed to be thinking. “Yes, and I was just on my way to meet him at the café of all places…the place where we met.” “True.” “Would you care to accompany me there? I am sure Leslie would be glad to see you again.” Indeed that was what most of their conversations centered around of late. “Oh, I’m sure I have trespassed on you quite enough lately.” “Are you sure? It would be enjoyable, I’m quite sure.” “No, but since I am going that way, I will walk with you until we reach where I must part.” “Very well.”
“You are late.” “I was at the library, where, do you know who I spent the afternoon with?” “Who?” “The famous Miss Ella.” Leslie opened his mouth aghast. “Where is she now?” “I have only just left her in the street.” Leslie stood up from the small table where the drinks had already been waiting. “And you did not invite her in?” “She wouldn’t come, Leslie.” Leslie went out the door of the café and hurried farther down Main Street, where he supposed he could see Ella walking. Running he quickly caught up with Ella, and tapped her on the shoulder, quickly recovering his breath. “Mr. Bayard?” Ella sounded shocked to meet him. “Ah, you remember my name! This is good, but why in heaven’s name wouldn’t you come in?” he said gesturing back towards the café. “Oh, you shouldn’t have left Mr. Duncan to come after me.” Ella immediately regretted having scolded such a man, but he seemed not to notice. “Let me at least carry your things to wherever you are going.” And let him see the house? Never. “I’m afraid I won’t allow you to inconvenience yourself any further Mr. Bayard, although your attentions are very kind.” “Well, when you are not so busy I should wish to meet up with you again,” Leslie urged. “We shall run into each other again I’m sure.” Or rather she hoped. “No, even though we have been thus lucky in meeting in so unplanned a manner, we might not be so lucky again. I will not have that.” Leslie pulled at his chin pondering, and Ella watched his face and handsome blue eyes with devotion. “I have it! We shall go to the show boat performance tomorrow night!” he exclaimed, and then hurriedly tried to regain composure. “Of course, if you would so honor me with allowing me to escort you.” “Oh, well…I would have to ask my sister if I could.” “Yes, of course.” “But I shouldn’t know how to get word to you if I was able to attend. Unless I met you outside the boat.” “Oh, but I wouldn’t wish to have you walking unescorted at night.” “I would be all right. My brother in law could take me if needs be,” Ella nodded trying to work things out quickly in her mind. “The show is at eight o’clock. I shall hope very much to see you there,” he said taking her free hand and squeezing it. “I shall try to be there,” Ella promised.
Ella burst through the door belying the excitement of the day, but only Mina sat in the house. “Where is your mama, Mina?” “Wen nex door.” Ella kissed the child on the cheek, and seeing a spot on her pinafore got a dishrag to wipe at the child’s clothes. “Did she say why or when she would be back?” “She wen to get thwed.” “Should be back soon then. Well what did you do today? Any pictures for me to see?” “Nope.” She slid off the chair and went into Ella’s room pulling Ella along by the hand. Sewing was all over the floor. “Oh, I suppose you’ve been helping mama huh?” Mina nodded. “Let’s see if we can’t start dinner, so she has less work when she gets home.” Mina followed Ella back into the kitchen, and Ella began to pull out pots and pump water over her hands.
The door opened with the familiar creak and in came Shirley, who carried a few spools of thread in her hands. “I didn’t have the right colors. Well, how did your day go?” Ella didn’t want to speak of the day, because she knew her sister viewed all of Ella’s dealings as an attempt to catch a man. Ella didn’t want to tarnish what had gone on, so she simply asked for the permission to go to the showboat, which was eagerly granted. “The show boat? I haven’t been there in ever so long. What is playing?” “I haven’t any idea. I didn’t even know it was in town.” “Neither did I.” “I thought I would start dinner.” “Oh, thank you. I hadn’t thought of it. I suppose we mustn’t make Keith mad, when we’re trying so hard to fix things up. Who asked you, Ella?” Ella turned from the stove, which she had just lit, and tried to think of who she should say. No one came to mind. “Mr. Bayard,” Ella nearly whispered. “Again? Oh my! I don’t know what to make of this, but we can’t have him coming here to meet you.” “I told him I would meet him there, even though he didn’t approve of the idea.” “That’s a real gentleman for you. We can’t send Keith with you, he has nothing to wear that appears clean even…I shall have to take you and wear one of your plainer things. Oh, but what will you wear?” Shirley went into Ella’s room and came out looking none too pleased. These things won’t do for an evening event! The money we have won’t buy a proper dress at all.” Ella poured in the last ingredient into the soup: They ate a lot of soup, because it was hearty and not as expensive as other items. “Oh, Shirley I wouldn’t worry about it…I don’t think Mr. Bayard invites me to see my attire.” “It doesn’t bode well for a girl to show up on a date to something inappropriately dressed.” Ella nearly dropped the plate she was holding. “What will I do when he tries to escort me home?” Shirley’s hand went to her face in dismay. “This is too difficult! I wish…well, there’s no helping that.” “I suppose that he would find out sooner or later.” “But sooner?” Shirley said sitting down at the table. “I don’t like deception, but I can’t see letting such a man as Mr. Bayard seeing our humble abode.” “He is very good, and there is no helping it I suppose.”
