she
knew no more but fell back into the flames unconscious.

"I've got her," said the fireman, "but I guess she's gone. No one could
live in the smoke up there. She's badly burned, too, poor girl--her back
and arms. Lift her carefully, boys."

Patty rushed forward. "She has given her life for me," she shrieked.
"Mattie, Mattie dear! don't you hear me? Speak--oh! speak to Patty."

The dying girl opened her eyes and half smiled. Patty knelt beside her
and put her ear close to Mattie's mouth.

"Patty," she whispered, "tell Ethel that I made good."

Then she closed them wearily and the brave soul of Mattie Hastings passed
on.

It took Patty Sands many years to recover from the shock of her friend's
death. She was too ill to even know when the funeral took place. She had
told her father and Kate of Mattie's last words. Ethel Hollister sent a
telegram requesting that Mattie's funeral might be postponed until she
arrived. The Camp Fire girls were the pallbearers.

Fortunately the cruel flames had left Mattie's face untouched and she
looked lovely. The church was crowded to overflowing, as well as the
street. The text of the sermon was:

"Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for a friend."

Mattie had "given service" as well as laying down her life for a friend,
and the whole town marvelled at her bravery.

CHAPTER XIII

JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY

In November Kate was married. The wedding was quiet, as Patty was still
an invalid. They took her with them and left her at Mrs. Hollister's
while they went on their trip. Nora had arrived for the winter two weeks
before. Mrs. Hollister had entered her in Madam La Rue's school. Ethel
had insisted upon giving Nora her room and had moved up stairs.

The three girls were sad. They talked of Mattie and Patty cried
constantly. So after a while they avoided speaking of her in her
presence.

Nora looked like one to the manner born. Mrs. Hollister, having carte
blanche to buy for her anything she saw fit, purchased the loveliest
second mourning costumes imaginable, and Nora wore them remarkably
well. She had grown more quiet since Mattie's death. A great change
seemed to have come over her. She was one of Madam's brightest pupils and
very popular. Mrs. Hollister was genuinely fond of her and they went
everywhere together.

When Mr. Casey came to New York he was surprised at the change. He'd say
to Mrs. Hollister:

"Faith, ma'am, it's a perfect