was made for Queen Hortense—so was this scarf that keeps my ragged hair from lopping out!"
"You didn't buy them, certainly!" demanded Mrs. Maillard.
"Of course not. They were a present—only this morning."
"Girl!" The lady's voice was harsh. "A present? From whom, if you please?"
"Oh, I promised not to tell; he's a particular friend of mine. Aren't the stones pretty?"
Mrs. Maillard was speechless. She compressed her firm lips and watched Lucie replace the sapphire collar without a word to offer. Silently she extended a corsage bouquet from the pile beside her; then, in a trembling voice, forced herself to explain about the favour inside.
"And I hope," she added, "that before receiving any more such valuable presents you'll consult me. Of course, if you don't wish to tell about this, you needn't; but a word of advice will often save a girl from making very serious mistakes."
"Thank you, auntie dear," and Lucie nodded as she pinned the bouquet. "You're
