sy writing a letter to her daughter, who had been absent from New York when Miser Farnham had called a

ese facts and the later ones of the ni

ly through. Of course, I shall nurse him assiduously, and I want you to drop everything and come home. That girl is quite ill to-day, feverish and delirious from her exposure last night. Before she is well enough to come down and see Dorian Mountcastle, you will have a chance to cut her out with him. Our

that Nita's maid said to her mistress,

daughter, Miss Az

ta-always a girl's first

housekeeper was just telling me that these Courtneys used to be grand r

invalid, and her heart gave

ourtney is perfectly devoted to the young man, a

de her but two formal visits, into both of which she had infu

than myself that led me out. Indeed, I think God sent me to

smiled in a sort

er forgive my daughter, Azalea, for doing anythi

keeper had bluntly told Lizette that the lady was prepar

thank her for her bravery. He told me he took her for a real angel when he first opened

name: 'Dorian, Dorian, Dorian,' like they were old acquaintances.

do I,

in this incipient love-affair. Miss Farnham had saved Mr. Mountcastle's life

floating blue ribbons, that matched the color of her large, turquoise-blue eyes, and brought out clearly the ro

be disturbed. But you must not mind me, will you? I am only Azalea! May I call you Nita?" Dropping

zalea gave her no chance to

, I almost fainted with surprise and joy. Do you understand, Nita? Dorian and I were-lovers-once-but afterward we were cruelly parted. But now, we have mad

ike a curse in Nita's ears. She shrank from the red l

a seat, Mi

into an arm-chair. "Oh, how dreadfully ill you

to sit up

dear. I don't think m

ll not ask her leave, Liz

be consulted. She is your c

e is no need of my remaining in bed longer than to-morrow. Then, too, I have a guest,

ps, mama will not consider it correct form for

d on him, I pre

ly-"but that is very different.

his life," repl

eir hearts they knew themselves sworn foes. Nita saw through the girl

itterness. She thought him a thousand times too good and noble for Azalea, and felt a sudden passionate longing to be