t your age on purpose--because I can't answer your
question. You are nineteen, I am seventeen. I feel like a child still; I
don't understand anything about loving people as you talk of love; but I
could be kind, and if it lay in my power to keep hearts from breaking I
think I'd be very glad to do it, and then Loftie _is_ nice, Bee."

Beatrice sighed. For the first time there was a gulf between her and
Catherine. As an intelligent and intellectual companion, as an
affectionate friend, Catherine was perfect; but in matters pertaining to
love--that great mystery which comes into most lives--her unawakened
heart was as a blank.

"You ask a great deal," said Beatrice, rising to her feet with
irritation. "For some reason, I don't know what, I am of value to you
and yours. I am not in your rank of life, still you want me. Your mother
is troubled, and in some inexplicable way I, an ignorant and uninformed
country girl, can relieve her. This is all very fine for you, but what
about me? I sacrifice myself forever to give temporary relief.
Catherine, you must tell me the truth. Why do you want me? Is it because
of my money?"

"Have you money?" asked Catherine. Her big, innocent, honest eyes looked
full at her friend, their expression showed bewilderment. When she
looked at her in this way Beatrice suddenly burst into a fit of
laughter. Then she put her arms round Catherine and kissed her two or
three times.

"Kate, you are the sweetest girl I ever met in all my life. You are
good, you are innocent. Kitty, I would do much for you."

"And Loftus is very kind," repeated Catherine; "and he's handsome, too.
He often told me that girls fell in love with him."

Beatrice patted Catherine's cheek.

"Little puss!" she said, "he ought not to breathe such words in your
innocent ears. So it is not for my money your mother and Loftus want me
so badly, Kitty."

"I never heard either of them breathe the subject of your money. Have
you any?"

"Yes, some."

"That would be nice, for somehow lately we seem to be dreadfully poor."

"If I were turned into a grand and patrician Bertram, and made into your
sister, sweet little Kitty, you shouldn't be poor. I'd see to that. I'd
dress you and pet you, and lade you with gifts."

"Beatrice, how bright your eyes are."

"Yes, I am excited when I think of the possible benefit I may be to
you."

"I only want you to be my sister, and to make my mother and Loftus
happy. My mother has a hidden tr