And so Catherine's little project officially started. Out of the goodness of her heart, she would endeavor to improve young Ellie Russell until she was fit for better society. What satisfaction it would give her to polish the girl! How useful she would feel as she would spend her empty winter days instructing and planning! And what a victory it would be for her if, in a few years time, the girl was mistress of the home of some clergyman or doctor.

She took Ellie to see the horses, they collected the books, and then they parted. As promised, Jared drove her all the way back to Miss Pennyfeather's shop this time. He was equally reticent on the drive back to town, but when the young maid had gone inside, he shook his head and muttered to himself: "I don't know what that featherbrained chit is up to this time, but I don't like it. I don't like it."