eared with a
message.

"Madame Randolph has sent to inquire if Mademoiselle Marjorie will come
to her apartment for a short time. Her friend has been obliged to go
out, and she is alone."

Marjorie clasped her hands in dismay, and turned a little pale.

"Send word you're very busy, and can't possibly come," suggested Elsie.
But Marjorie shook her head.

"I shall have to go," she said, with a little gasp. "Mrs. Randolph has
been so good to me; she would think it so strange if I didn't come when
she sent for me. Say I will be there in a few minutes, Hortense."

"You really are a wonder, Marjorie," remarked Elsie, with involuntary
admiration, as Hortense left the room with the message. "I'm sure I
should never be able to do it."

"Yes, you would," said Marjorie, smiling and without another word she
followed Hortense out of the room.

Marjorie's heart was beating very fast when she rang Mrs. Randolph's
bell five minutes later, but when that lady herself opened the door, and
greeted her guest with her usual serene cheerfulness, the girl pulled
herself together with a mighty effort, and her friend noticed nothing
unusual in her manner, except that her cheeks were flushed and her eyes
shining.

"I am so glad you could come this afternoon," Mrs. Randolph said,
leading the way to the sitting-room. "I haven't seen you for days, and
was beginning to feel quite neglected." She spoke playfully, but
Marjorie felt the gentle reproach in her tone, and her heart beat faster
than ever.

"Indeed I didn't mean to neglect you," she said, eagerly, "but--but you
see I have had a good deal to do since I came home; school began on
Monday."

"I understand, dear," said Mrs. Randolph, smiling, "and I am not blaming
you in the least, but I have missed you very much."

"You have had Mrs. Patterson," said Marjorie, as she took the seat her
friend indicated beside her on the sofa.

"Oh, yes, and she has been a great comfort, for I have missed Beverly
terribly. He and the doctor will be at home this afternoon, you know."

"Yes," said Marjorie; "Mrs. Patterson told us at luncheon. She said you
had a headache; I hope it's better."

"Much better, thank you, dear. I didn't come down to luncheon because I
wanted to be quite bright and well this evening when Beverly is here.
This is always a rather sad day for me; it is my little Barbara's
birthday."

Marjorie's heart gave one big jump, and began throbbing so fast she
could scarcely brea