her seated on a low sofa, barricaded with piles of cotton frocks
and pinafores, which had suffered maltreatment at the hands of that
arch-destroyer of clothes and temper--the Indian dhobi.

"Don't get up, please," the girl said quickly, as Mrs Conolly gathered
her work together with an exclamation of pleasure. "I've just come for
a spell of peace and quietness, to sit at the feet of Gamaliel and
learn wisdom!"

She settled herself on the carpet,--a favourite attitude when they
were alone together,--and with a sigh of satisfaction leaned against
her friend's knee. The older woman put an arm round her shoulders, and
pressed her close. Her mother's heart went out in very real devotion
to this beautiful girl, who, strong and self-reliant as she was,
turned to her so spontaneously for sympathy, counsel, and love.

"Arrogant child!" she rebuked her, smiling. "Remember who it was that
sat at the feet of Gamaliel! But what particular kind of wisdom are
you wanting from me to-day?"

"No particular kind. I'm only liking to have you near me. One is so
sure of your faith in the ultimate best, that there is encouragement
in the touch of your hand."

She took it between both her own, and rested her cheek against the
other's arm, hiding her face from view.

Mrs Jim smiled, not ill pleased. She was one of those rare optimists
who, having frankly confronted the evil and sorrow, the ironies and
inconsistencies of life, can still affirm and believe that "God's in
his Heaven; all's right with the world." But an unusual note in the
girl's voice perplexed her.

"Are you in special need of encouragement just now, dear?" she asked.
"Is that big baby of yours making you anxious on account of this
expedition?"

"No--oh no! She is going to behave beautifully. The shock upset her at
first, and she wanted Theo to stay behind. It was hard for him; but he
held out; and I think I have helped her to see that he was right. He
has taken her for a ride this afternoon and she is very happy."

"She has a great deal to thank you for, Honor," the elder woman said
gravely. "I felt from the first that you were in rather a difficult
position between those two, and you have filled it admirably. I have
said very little to you about it, so far; but I have watched you and
thought of you unceasingly; and I believe Major Meredith would be
prouder of you than ever if he could realise that you have turned your
time of waiting to such good account."

Honor'