She lingered, looking up into the
beautiful face.

"I feel just as if she wanted to say something to me," Kit said, as she
reluctantly followed Bet.

"I think she does, probably. I know she tells _me_ things sometimes,"
replied Bet seriously. "I love to lie on that divan in the hall and
watch her. And she tells me all about the good times they used to have
in these very rooms." Bet had dreamed so often beneath the vivacious,
smiling face that she had come to believe that Lady Betty really did
talk to her.

"It almost seems wicked to live in these rooms after her," murmured
Kit, as the two girls went up the stairs slowly, their arms around each
others' waists.

"I used to think that, too, until she laughed at me and said, 'Don't be
silly, Bet.'"

Shirley and Joy's laughter floated down the stairway. "She really
believes all that, Kit. She thinks that Lady Betty comes alive and
talks to her."

"Well, I used to think that when I was a little, little girl," laughed
Bet.

"And do you remember the day you told me she had called you Betty, and
you didn't know whether to be angry or not?" asked Joy.

Bet turned to Kit. "You see I don't like to be called Betty. That
name doesn't suit me at all. It's a lovely name for her, but for me
it's ridiculous."

"And you'd better remember that, Kit Patten, for she gets angry if
anyone calls her that," said the quiet Shirley.

"There's one girl who does it, and she's no friend of Bet's," laughed
Joy.

"Oh, that Edith Whalen! She's always horrid, I wish she wouldn't call
me anything. I get angry--so angry that I----"

"Ssh! I'll tell you what she does," whispered Joy. "She scratches!"

"I really don't, but I'd like to."

When the new friend was introduced to Auntie Gibbs she made such a good
impression that the old lady's heart opened at once and took her in.
But she wouldn't have told Uncle Nat or Bet that for the world.

"Can't we help?" asked Kit.

Bet was about to object but the old woman spoke up quickly. "Of course
you can all help. Bet, you and your new friend set the table. And
I'll find something for Shirley and Joy to do." Auntie Gibbs was never
so happy as she was at times when she had several people to keep busy.

Kit was afraid to touch the exquisite glassware and silver and
beautiful dishes that Bet handled with unconcern.

"Aren't you afraid you'll break them, Bet?" asked the girl.

"I used to be terribly afraid, but now I am used t