vexing you.'

Clara knelt down on the rug, and, with her hands folded, looked up in
her friend's face. Gladys passed her hand lightly over the smooth braids
of Clara's beautiful hair, and did not for a moment speak.

'Did you ever have a great faith in any one who after a time
disappointed you?' she asked suddenly.

'No, I don't think so. I am not naturally trusting, Gladys. I have to be
very sure before I put absolute faith in any one.'

'I cannot believe that of you, Clara. How kind you have been to me, an
utter stranger! You have treated me like a sister since the first happy
day I entered the house.'

'Oh, that is different. You know very well, you little fraud, that your
very eyes disarm suspicion, as somebody says. You are making conquests
everywhere. But now we are away from the point. _What_ is vexing you?
Shall I make a guess?'

'Oh, if you like,' answered Gladys, with interest.

'Well, you are thinking of past days. You have not forgotten the
companions of the old life, and it is grieving you, because it would
appear that they have forgotten you.'

'He might have come, only once,' cried Gladys rebelliously, not for a
moment seeking to deny or admit in words the truth of Clara's words. 'We
were a great deal to each other. It is hard to be forgotten so soon.'

'Gladys dear, listen to me.'

Clara's voice became quite grave, and she folded her hands impressively
above her companion's.

'You must not be angry at what I am going to say, because it is true.
Has it not occurred to you that this young man, in thus keeping a
distance from you, shows himself wiser than you?'

'How?' asked Gladys coldly. 'It can never be wise to wound the feelings
of another.'

'My dear, though your simplicity is the loveliest thing about you, it is
awfully difficult to deal with,' said Clara perplexedly. 'You must know,
must admit, Gladys, that everything is changed, and that while you might
be quite courteous, and even friendly after a fashion, with this Mr.
Hepburn, anything more is quite out of the question. He must move in his
own sphere, you in yours. People are happier in their own sphere. To try
and lift them out of it is always a mistake, and ends in disaster and
defeat. Would you have liked mamma to invite him here?'

'He would not come,' said Gladys proudly. 'He would never come. He said
so again and again.'

'Then it seems to me that it is you who are lacking in proper pride,'
said Clara calmly.

'What is