`` Just what I say . '' Winslow got up and looked at her . `` Nelly , who are you ? '' `` Helen Ray Scott , at your service , sir . '' `` Not Helen Ray Scott , the daughter of the railroad king ? '' `` The same . Are you sorry that you 're engaged to her ? If you are , she 'll stay Nelly Ray . '' Winslow dropped back on the seat with a long breath . `` Nelly , I do n't understand . Why did you deceive me ? I feel stunned . '' `` Oh , do forgive me , '' she said merrily . `` I should n't have , I suppose -- but you know you took me for the hired girl the very first time you saw me , and you patronized me and called me Nelly ; so I let you think so just for fun . I never thought it would come to this . When Father and I came north I took a fancy to come here and stay with Mrs. Pennington -- who is an old nurse of mine -- until Father decided where to take up our abode . I got here the night before we met . My trunk was delayed so I put on an old cotton dress her niece had left here -- and you came and saw me . I made Mrs. Pennington keep the secret -- she thought it great fun ; and I really was a great hand to do little chores and keep the cats in subjection too . I made mistakes in grammar and dropped my g 's on purpose -- it was such fun to see you wince when I did it .
It was cruel to tease you so , I suppose , but it was so sweet just to be loved XXXXX myself -- not because I was an heiress and a belle -- I could n't bear to tell you the truth .
If at for in of on so that to until