a you are making a mistake. You are
doing yourself and Kara both injustice. Miss Mason tells me she has
talked to you and that the other Girl Scouts have protested, yet you
remain selfish about Kara."

The girl made no answer. If she did not like the accusation, she did
not at present deny it.

"From the first you have been sentimental over your friendship with
Katherine Moore. Kara first made a strong appeal to you when you were
lonely and antagonistic toward your new life in a small New England
town. This drew her closer to you than had you grown up together in
ordinary girl fashion. Besides, you are romantic, Tory. You respond to
the people who call forth that side of you. The mystery surrounding
poor Kara has fascinated you. The fact that she knew nothing of her
parents has made you feel that you could be more to her than had she
enjoyed the family affection other girls receive. I believe in your
heart of hearts you have planned some day to be Kara's fairy godmother
and make up to her for what she has failed to receive."

"Well, if I have, is it so wicked of me?" Tory demanded.

Memory Frean smiled.

"I am afraid so, Tory dear, although many wise persons may not agree
with me. I don't think it often is allowed us to play special
Providence to other people. Since Kara's accident more than ever have
you been trying to accomplish this for her. You have been wearing
yourself out and Kara feels this and cannot enjoy it. In their own
ways the other Girl Scouts resent your belief that Kara must always
prefer you to be with her and to care for her. She was their friend
and they knew and loved her before she came into your life.

"Together you agreed to bring Kara to camp and to see if you could
make things easier for her. The other girls want their chance too,
Tory. Don't you realize, dear, that you are growing tired out from too
much responsibility. You can't help Kara if you are tired and nervous
and, though you may not confess it to yourself, a little resentful of
your own disappointment in the summer.

"Remember you told me what a lot of outdoor sketching you intended to
do. Your father had given you permission to work at your painting and
drawing in the summer time, provided you gave your time and energy to
your school in the winter. You have not shown me a new drawing since
Kara's accident.

"Then, don't you suppose the other girls miss having you with them on
some of their excursions? Martha Greaves, the En