mistake with you all, when even Gertrude
could not believe that I would not be harsh and unforgiving. But we have
had our lesson, Georgie, and we will not do so badly again, especially
as there will be this dear little new sister of yours to help us to keep
straight. We need not talk any more about it, but, Cannie, we all feel
that to have you with us will be good for us all. There is nothing in
the world so rare and so precious as clear truth, and the courage to
hold fast by it; and we have proved that you possess both."

"And don't you think that it will be good for me?" said Cannie, her eyes
shining with grateful tears.

"Yes; we can help you too. It is one of the good things in this world
that help is almost always on both sides.--Marian," as that small person
passed the door, "what do you think of having Cannie permanently for a
sister?"

"Really! Will she stay? Oh, how perfectly--daisy!" And Marian threw her
arms round Candace's neck, and gave her a squeeze which left no doubt as
to her approval of the plan.

Only one cloud now remained on Candace's horizon of happiness. Mrs. Gray
had become like a very mother to her. Her bright, perpetual,
all-understanding tenderness was like daily food to Candace's hungering
heart. Mr. Gray had taken her into the highest favor. He had always
liked Cannie and been kind to her, but now he petted her almost as much
as he petted Marian. He scarcely ever came back from New York without
bringing her some little gift,--a book, a trinket, a box of bonbons,--as
a proof that she had been in his thoughts. The latest and prettiest of
these was on her finger now,--a pearl ring with the word "Truth"
engraved inside its golden circlet. Georgie and Marian had welcomed her
heartily; but Gertrude,--Gertrude had said nothing. She was always
cordial now, and a sort of added respect and liking had appeared in her
manner since the Alexander episode; but about the new arrangement which
made Candace one of the family, she had not spoken a word. Till she did,
till she was sure that Gertrude too was content to have her stay,
Cannie's happiness could not be complete.

The fourteenth of October at length arrived. It was the last day of
their Newport season, but Candace no longer dreaded the break-up. It did
not mean separation and loneliness now, only the change to a new and
different scene, which might be as delightful in its way as the summer
had been. Yet Newport was still in full beauty, and it s