Dorothy laughed quietly, and drew from the little satchel she wore at
her side a letter, which she handed to Katherine.

"It's private and confidential," she warned her friend.

"Oh, I won't tell any one," said Katherine, unfolding it. She read
eagerly half-way down the page, then sprang to her feet on the top of
the table, screaming:

"Fifteen million dollars! Fifteen million dollars!" and, swinging her
arms back and forth like an athlete about to leap, sprang to the
floor, nearly upsetting the little table, tray and all, as she
embraced Dorothy Amhurst.

"Fifteen millions! That's something like! Why, mother, do you realize
that we have under our roof one of the richest young women in the
world? Don't you see that the rest of this conference must take place
in our drawing-room under the most solemn auspices? The idea of our
keeping such an heiress in the attic!"

"I believe," said Sabina, slowly and coldly, "that Mr. Rockefeller's
income is--"

"Oh, blow Mr. Rockefeller and his income!" cried the indignant younger
sister.

"Katherine!" pleaded the mother tearfully.

CHAPTER III