that he wants her to be in her own apartment as
long as possible. He can engage people to take
care of her, even if she should be difficult to
manage and then he knows how she is being
treated, you see. Mother has an oversight now,
too; but that and some other things are nearly
wearing Mother's nerves to pieces. That is why
she has so much company and goes so much,
though of course, all her old friends want to
see her, too.”

From the sad scene of the third floor Betty
was soon transported to the large dining room
of the Murchison home, where the Countess Co-
letti and a few friends, with Mr. Murchison, the
head of the house, sat about a beautifully ap-
pointed table with its silver, cut glass and china,
its flowers and fragrance. There was cheerful,
even clever conversation into which Betty was
drawn a little at first, as the older guests
politely took an interest in the two girls. But
Lucia and Betty, side by side, carried on a low
conversation, as they found it proper, or
listened with interest to that of their elders.
Betty was impressed with the grace and social
poise of the countess, but did not care very
much for a handsome blonde who sat at Mr.
Murchison's right and whom Lucia said was
“trying to marry Uncle,” though that remark

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