of disappointment that clouded the
pale face of the woman who sat opposite her in her little office.

"I--am--afraid not," faltered the pale, thin woman, her tired eyes
filling with an expression of resignation. "I thought I might be able to
manage her college fees, if her living expenses could be arranged. We
were so sorry that she did not win a scholarship. You are quite sure
that there is no chance for her here?" she asked pleadingly, for the
fourth time. "She has set her heart on coming to Overton. College means
so much to a girl, and Evelyn is so clever. It seems a pity that she
must stop with only a high school education."

Grace knitted her brows in earnest thought, while the pleading voice
talked on. She felt an overpowering sympathy, not for the sister who
wished to come to Overton, but for the sister who was now advocating her
cause. And even as she thought the way in which one more girl might
partake of the benefits of Harlowe House came to her. It was a way of
sacrifice; she was not even sure that it could be done. Something in the
expression of her face, however, seemed to inspire the woman opposite
her with new hope. She leaned forward, with the eager question: "Am I
wrong or does your face tell me that there is a chance for Evelyn?" For
the first time she mentioned her sister's name.

"'Evelyn,'" repeated Grace half musingly. "What a pretty name. How old
is your sister, Miss Ward?"

"She was eighteen last August."

"I can make you no definite promise yet," returned Grace slowly. "Could
you come to see me this afternoon at four o'clock? I shall know then
whether the plan I have in mind can be carried out."

"I will come," promised the woman eagerly, her eyes kindling with happy
light. "I thank you for your kindness." Her voice trembled with
gratitude. She rose to go, looking as though she would like to say more
but could not find words in which to express herself.

"You are quite welcome. I will try very hard to place her," was Grace's
parting assurance.

After the woman, who had introduced herself as Ida Ward, had gone, Grace
went slowly upstairs and into her pretty sitting-room. She looked long
and fixedly at each attractive appointment, then she walked on into the
bedroom, which she and Emma shared, and surveyed it with the same
searching gaze. "I can't do it unless Emma is willing," she murmured. "I
dislike asking her after inviting her to share my suite. Still, we've
always been frank with ea