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temperament—to throw stones at the more passionate. Nature wasn’t fair. She armed some individuals so securely against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and left other so defenseless.

Ann went to her desk and tried to fix her attention upon invoices and accounts. Her business was growing bigger day by day. Within a week more goods were arriving from London. She must vacate her room at the back of the shop—find some other home for herself, in order to secure sufficient accommodation for her staff and the augmented stock.

If only Vera would abandon the case! Ann knew that if Holmes could tell her this good news within the next few hours a great load would be lifted from her mind. She would no longer feel an outcast, unable to mix with her fellow-citizens. She could make a pleasant home for herself, enjoy all the little gayeties of the town, and form many friendships amongst her warm-hearted neighbors.

Marriage—a happy union—children, and a home—was probably the most enviable state the world at present could provide for any woman. But freedom, interesting work, the control of money fairly earned by one’s own efforts, were not without their own advantages. Ann knew that she was never likely to reach the fullest development of her individuality—the greatest height of happiness—alone. Like any other warm-hearted girl, she wanted love, a home to share with her mate, and children. But she was sensible enough to realize that though marriage seemed unlikely to be her lot, she was lucky to have achieved this business success, which meant that the life ahead need not be entirely destitute of happiness and interest.