An Ambitious Man

"I must beg pardon for this intrusion," the Baroness said with her

sweetest smile; "but our rector urged me to come and so I felt

emboldened to carry out the wish I have long entertained to make your

acquaintance. Your wonderful music inspires all who hear you to know

you personally; the service lacked half its charm on Sunday because

you were absent. When I learnt that your absence was occasioned by

your mother's illness, I asked the rector if he thought a call from

me would be an intrusion, and he assured me to the contrary. I used

to be considered an excellent nurse; I am very strong, and full of

vitality, and if you would permit me to sit by your mother some

Sunday when you are needed at church, I should be most happy to do

so. I should like to make the acquaintance of your mother, and

compliment her on the happiness of possessing such a gifted and

dutiful daughter."

Like all who sat for any time under the spell of the second Mrs

Lawrence, Joy felt the charm of her voice, words and manner, and it

began to seem as if she had been very unreasonable in entertaining

unfounded prejudices.

That the rector had introduced her was alone proof of her worthiness;

and the gracious offer of the distinguished-looking lady to watch by

the bedside of a stranger was certainly evidence of her good heart.

The frost disappeared from her smile, and she warmed toward the

Baroness. The call lengthened into a visit, and as the Baroness

finally rose to go, Joy said: "I will take you in and introduce you to mamma now. I think it will

do her good to meet you," and the Baroness followed the graceful girl

through a narrow hall, and into a room which had evidently been

intended for a dining-room, but which, owing to its size and its

windows opening to the south, had been utilised as a sick chamber.

The invalid lay with her face turned away from the door. But by the

movement of the delicate hand on the counterpane, Joy knew that her

mother was awake.

"Mamma, I have brought a lady, a friend of Dr Stuart's, to see you,"

Joy said gently. The invalid turned her head upon the pillow, and

the Baroness looked upon the face of--Berene Dumont.

"Berene!"

"Madam!"

The two spoke simultaneously, and the invalid had started upright in

bed.

"Mamma, what is the matter? Oh, please lie down, or you will bring

on another haemorrhage," cried the startled girl; but her mother

lifted her hand.