dy she thought of her as one of her girls.

At precisely four o'clock the door bell rang and the maid ushered Ida
Ward into the living-room. Her large eyes were wide with anxiety and
suspense as she sat nervously on the edge of her chair, trying to appear
composed. She tried to answer Grace's reassuring smile, but her anxious
eyes belied her wanly-smiling lips.

"I have good news for you, Miss Ward," said Grace brightly. "I have made
room for your sister. When may I expect her?"

Ida Ward's lips moved, but she made no sound. Then, to Grace's
consternation, she covered her face with her black-gloved hands and
began to cry quietly. For an instant Grace sat in embarrassed silence.
She hardly knew what consolation to offer this poor, pale woman who
looked as though she carried the burdens of the world upon her slender
shoulders. Before she could think of anything to say, Miss Ward suddenly
raised her head, wiped her eyes and said quietly, "Forgive me for
crying. I--am a little tired. I was rather overcome by the good news."

"Suppose we have tea in the living room," was Grace's kindly suggestion.
"What time does your train leave? By the way, I don't think I know where
you live."

"We live in Burton, a little town about two hundred miles from here,
with a population of six thousand people. I am a dressmaker. There are
only Evelyn and I, and I am fifteen years older than she. Mother died
when she was born. Father died only a year later and I have taken care
of her all her life. She is very beautiful. One of the prettiest girls I
have ever seen, and so clever." The plain face lighted as she described
Evelyn.

"How she loves her pretty sister," thought Grace.

Over the tea, dainty sandwiches and cakes, Ida Ward became quite
cheerful. When half an hour later she rose to take her leave, she looked
really happy. "How can I thank you for what you have done for Evelyn?"
she asked tremulously, her lips quivering. "My little sister will be so
glad. I am sure she can't help being happy in this beautiful house."

"Send her to us as soon as you can," advised Grace. "College has been
open for over three weeks and she will have quite an amount of work to
make up. This is Monday. May I expect her on Thursday?"

"Yes, she can leave Burton early Thursday morning. There is a train
which reaches here at two o'clock in the afternoon."

"Very well. I will send some one to meet her," promised Grace.

During the next two days Grace and