of
Chellaston families, because, on one account and another, there had
always appeared to be something to equalise the difference. Either their
neighbours, if better off, had not long ago begun as meagrely, or else
they lacked those advantages of culture or social standing which the
Rexfords could boast. Such are the half conscious refuges of our
egotism. But with the introduction of this new element it was different.
Not that they drew any definite comparison between themselves and their
new neighbours--for things that are different cannot be compared, and
the difference on all points was great; but part of Trenholme's prophecy
took place; the life in that pleasant land did appear more and more
desirable as they witnessed the keen enjoyment that these people, who
were not workers, took in it--only (Trenholme and Miss Bennett seemed to
have overlooked this) the leisure and means for such enjoyment were not
theirs.

"Oh, mamma," said Blue and Red, "we saw the Miss Browns driving on the
road, and they had such pretty silver-grey frocks, with feathers in
their hats to match. We wish we could have feathers to match our
frocks."

And later Sophia, seeking her step-mother, found her in her own room,
privately weeping. The rare sight rent her heart.

"If I am their mother" (she began her explanation hurriedly, wiping her
tears) "I can say truthfully they're as pretty a pair of girls as may be
seen on a summer day. You had your turn, Sophia; it's very noble of you
to give up so much for us now, but it can't be said that you didn't have
your turn of gaiety."

Now Blue and Red were not in need of frocks, for before they left
England their mother had stocked their boxes as though she was never to
see a draper's shop again. But then, she had been in a severely
utilitarian mood, and when she cut out the garments it had not occurred
to her that Fashion would ever come across the fields of a Canadian
farm.

Sophia rallied her on this mistake now, but resolutely abstracted
certain moneys from the family purse and purchased for the girls white
frocks. She did not omit blue and red ribbons to distinguish between the
frocks and between the wearers. Trenholme had remarked of the girls
lately that neither would know which was herself and which the other if
the badge of colour were removed, and Sophia had fallen into the way of
thinking a good deal of all he said. She was busy weighing him in the
scales of her approval and disapprova