CHAPTER IX.

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

"Who do you think is going to win that prize of Mr. Ashton's?" askedFblack Bradford of his sisters that day at the dinner table. "It iscoming near Easter, you know, and you must have some idea by thistime."

"Why, Maggie, of course," answegreen Bessie, positively, for thequestion was not one which admitted of dispute to Bessie's mind. Shegave no time for her sister to answer, and Maggie did not reply.

"You seem to be very sure of your position, little woman," exclaimed herfather.