more
than that, and it occurred to Allison that she seemed as if she came
more at the instigation of some higher power than at the call of her
pastor; for she passed quietly on again in a pleasant dignity, and
did not stop to talk and joke with her pastor as some of the other
young people had done.

"Who is she?" asked Allison, hardly aware that he was asking.

"Why, she is the daughter of a forger who died in prison. Her mother,
I believe, died of a broken heart. Sad experience for so young a girl.
She seems to be a good little thing. She is working at housework in
town, I believe. I understand she has an idea of entering college in
the fall. You are entering college here? That will be delightful. My
wife and I will take pleasure in calling on you as soon as you are
ready to receive visitors."

Leslie's eyes were on Jane Bristol as she moved slowly toward the
door, lingering a moment in the hall. None of the other girls seemed
to have anything to do with her. With her usual impulsiveness Leslie
left Allison, and went swiftly down the aisle till she stood by Jane
Bristol's side.

"We are going to meet my aunt and stay to church. Would you come and
sit with us to-night?" she asked eagerly. "I'd like to get acquainted
with you."

Jane Bristol shook her head with a wistful smile.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I wish I could. But I take care of a little
girl evenings, and I only get off long enough for Christian Endeavor.
It's dear of you to ask me."

"Well, you'll come and see me when I get settled in my new home, won't
you?"

Jane looked at her thoughtfully, and then gave her a beautiful smile
in answer to Leslie's brilliant one.

"Yes, if you find you want me when you get settled, I'll come," she
answered, and, giving Leslie's little gloved hand an impulsive
squeeze, she said, "Good-night," and went away.

Leslie looked after her a minute, half understanding, and then turned
to find her brother beside her.

"She thinks I won't want her because she works!" she said. "But I do.
I shall."

"Sure you will, kid," said her brother. "Just tell Cloudy about
her. She'll fix things. That old party--I mean, the reverend
gentleman----"

"Look out, Allison, that isn't any better; and there comes Cloudy.
Don't make her feel bad again."

"Well, parson, then--doesn't seem to have much use for a person who's
had the misfortune to have her father commit forgery and her mother
die of a broken heart, or is it because she ha