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“Yes, and ten years from now she may be making a few hundreds; whereas, if she comes with me, in ten years’ time her income would probably be as many thousands.”

“I’ll have to think it over,” said Aunt Elizabeth.

Emily felt surprised that Aunt Elizabeth had even consented to think it over. She had expected absolute refusal.

“She'll come round to it,” whispered Miss Royal, when she went away. “I’m going to get you, darling Emily B. I know the Murrays of old. They always had an eye to the main chance. Aunty will let you come.”

“I’m afraid not,” said Emily ruefully.

When Miss Royal had gone Aunt Elizabeth looked at Emily.

“Would you like to go, Emily?”

“Yes—I think so—if you don’t mind,” faltered Emily. She was very pale—she did not plead or coax. But she had no hope—none.

Aunt Elizabeth took a week to think it over. She called in Ruth and Wallace and Oliver to help her. Ruth said dubiously,

“I suppose we ought to let her go. It’s a splendid chance for her. It’s not as if she were going alone—I’d never agree to that. Janet will look after her.”

“She’s too young—she’s too young,” said Uncle Oliver.

“It seems a good chance for her—Janet Royal has done well, they say,” said Uncle Wallace.

Aunt Elizabeth even wrote to Great-aunt Nancy. The answer came back in Aunt Nancy’s quavering hand:

“Suppose you let Emily decide for herself,” suggested Aunt Nancy.

Aunt Elizabeth folded up Aunt Nancy’s letter and called Emily into the parlour.

“If you wish to go with Miss Royal you may,” she said. “I feel it would not be right for me to hinder you. We shall miss you—we would rather have you