ded to call!" said
Phyllis. "Come along, Leslie, and we'll show Miss Ramsay over Fisherman's
Luck!"

It struck the girls that Miss Ramsay showed a trifle less enthusiasm
about returning to the other cottage. Still, she agreed, with a fair
assumption of polite interest, and they tramped back along the beach,
chatting agreeably.

But she showed very genuine pleasure in the entirely different appearance
of Phyllis's abode, and a large surprise at the presence of a grand piano
in so unusual a place. And when Leslie had informed her of Phyllis's
talent she eagerly demanded that they be given an immediate concert.

And it was Phyllis's sudden whim to render a very charming and touching
program, ending with the Chopin "Berceuse." The music died away in a
hushed chord, and Leslie, who had been gazing out at the ocean during its
rendering, was astonished when she looked around to see the visitor
furtively wiping away a few tears.

"I'm a perfect goose about some kinds of music!" she muttered
apologetically, and then, abruptly, "Won't you two girls please call me
Eileen? I'm so lonely here and I haven't any friends and--and--I'd like
to see you often."

And then the impulsive Phyllis put a comradely arm about her shoulder.
"Just come as often as you like. We'll always be delighted to see you.
I'm sure we three can have a jolly time together. And be sure to call us
by our first names, too."

"Thank you, Phyllis and Leslie," she said simply. "You are more than kind
to me. But I must be getting back now. It's most time for me to go to the
hospital to see Grandfather. He's _so_ ill, and I'm so worried about
him!" Again the tears came into her eyes. "But good-by! I'm coming over
to-morrow with the car to take you all out for a spin!" And she was gone,
running down the path to where she had parked the car.

When they were alone, the two girls looked at one another.

"It's the most amazing thing I ever heard of--this change in her!"
marveled Phyllis. "Have you the slightest idea what has caused it?"

"I think I have," answered Leslie, and she told of the girl's curious
conduct when she was being shown through Rest Haven. "I believe she had a
purpose in coming here--she may have thought she could find out something
from us. And she certainly thought she might get into Curlew's Nest,
though I don't believe for a minute the reason she gave was the only one.
I think she didn't particularly want to go to see your place, either, but