e good now and then, and I
want to be able to leave something to my sister, or her children. The
truth is, Mr. Rolfe--no, I will call you Harvey, once for all--the
truth is, I couldn't live now without giving a little help here and
there to people poorer than myself. Don't think it foolish.' Her voice
quivered. 'I feel that it will be done in the name of my poor husband
as if he himself were doing it, and making amends for a wrong he never,
never intended. If I had given up everything--as some people say I
ought to have done--it wouldn't have seemed the same to me. I couldn't
earn my own living, and what right had I to become a burden to my
relatives? I hope I haven't done very wrong. Of course, I shall give up
the flat as soon as Alma is married. In taking it I really thought more
of her than of my own comfort. I shall live with my sister, and come up
to town just now and then, when it is necessary.'

The listener was touched, and could only nod grave approval.

'There's another thing. Alma thinks with me in everything--but she says
I ought to let it be known who has given that money. She says it would
make many people less bitter against her father's memory. Now, what is
your opinion? If she is right in that----'

Harvey would offer no counsel, and Mrs. Frothingham did not press him.
She must think about it. The disclosure, if wise, could be made at any
time.

'That's all I had to say, Harvey. Now tell me about the house, and then
go arid see Alma. I have business in the City.'

He went, but only to be disappointed; Alma was not at home. To make
amends, she sent him a note that evening, asking him to call at twelve
the next day, and to stay to luncheon. When he entered the room, the
first object his eye fell upon was the old school atlas, lying open on
the table at the map of England and Wales.

And the day appointed was the twentieth of December.

The wedding was to be the simplest conceivable. No costume, no
bridesmaid or hulking groomsman, no invitations; no announcement to
anyone until the day had passed, save only to Dora Leach, who would be
summoned as if for some ordinary occasion of friendship, and then be
carried off to the church.

'It will insure my smiling all through the ordeal,' said Alma to her
step-mother; 'Dora's face will be such a study!'

'My dear,' began Mrs. Frothingham very earnestly, 'you are _quite_
sure----'

'More than sure, if that's possible. And Harvey throws up his hat at
be