and I am sure mamma never could have
taken better care of him than I did. When he was under doctor's orders I
gave him every drop of the medicine myself, and I never would let him
eat a thing I thought wouldn't agree with him. He used to say his life
was a burden, poor darling, but I know he liked it. And who knows?--if I
hadn't watched him so, he might not have lived as long as he did. That
is my one consolation.... This terrible grief makes everything else seem
so paltry; I could not even think of being engaged to Alan Rush any
longer. Poor fellow! I feel sorry for him, but I can't play for a long
time to come. As for papa's wishes in the matter, Mr. Geary and Mr.
Washington will take care of my money, and I am quite able to take care
of myself. If papa is near me now, he will understand how I feel, and
agree with me. I wish I had some heroic destiny. Why has the United
States ceased to make history? I'd like to play some great part. Papa
used to say there was bound to be another upheaval some day, but I'm
afraid it won't be in my time."

"It may," replied Magdalena. "There's a good deal of history-making,
quiet and noisy, going on all the time. I've been reading the newspapers
this last year. They're horrid sensational things, but I manage to get a
few ideas from them. No one can tell what may happen ten years hence.
You may have a chance to be the heroine of a revolution yet."

"I'm afraid I'll never be anything but a belle, and I'm tired of that
already, although I never could stand being shelved. But if there is a
revolution during my life I'll be a factor in it. Just you remember
that."

"I really do believe that you were intended for something
extraordinary."

"I believe I was. That's the reason I'm so restless and dramatic. I
don't feel as if I ever could be so again, though,--not for ages,
anyhow."

The old close and affectionate intimacy between the two girls was
restored during that week. At its end Helena went East to visit her
aunt, Mrs. Forbes. She was the untrammelled mistress of something under
a million dollars; and as her private car, filled with flowers, bonbons,
and books, pulled away from a sorrowing crowd of friends on the Oakland
side of the ferry, it must be confessed she reflected that the future
would appear several shades darker if she were arranging her belongings
in a half-section, a small quarterly allowance in her pocket.
Nevertheless Colonel Belmont had his reward. His daughter's