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 it engrossed her whole attention. "You see I'm an orphan. I haven't much money, just barely enough to give me necessaries. Aunt Lucy has done everything for me, you can't guess half, and if I suddenly turn against her—for she'll think it that—it will break her heart. She will call me ungrateful, and, Morton, you know I'm anything but that—I—I couldn't bear it." A childish quiver of her lips spoke louder than words, for the actress in her was "feeling her part," and her emotion was quite genuine.

"Whatever you think best I'll abide by; I couldn't love you so if I didn't trust you absolutely," he answered, softly.

The rattle and chink of a stopping carriage broke in on them.

"There she is now!" Philippa exclaimed, in a sharp whisper, withdrawing from his embrace and quickly smoothing her hair.

A slam, a ring, the approach of the butler, a gust of cold air that swung the curtains, and Mrs. Pendington Ford entered. A swift glance of her sharp gray eyes took in her niece's indifference, Morton's confusion, the dents in the pillows, and 88