rew both arms about her neck and kissed her.

"You are so good!" she said. "Oh, I wish I wasn't such a weak little
thing! Don't despise me, Bessie, because I can't do anything to help
you."

"I don't--I don't. Your arm hurts me!" Elizabeth pushed the girl's
caressing arm away, struggling hard to be calm.

"If I had never known----"

But Elizabeth checked the selfish wail.

"It is too late now to think of that. I tell you I shall not trouble you
any more."

"When the paper fell on the stones," said Elsie, "I was so frightened."

Elizabeth gasped for breath at the very thought.

"But I managed cleverly. I am very weak and nervous, but I have my wits
about me sometimes."

Elizabeth was shivering from head to foot, whether with remorse at the
knowledge of evil which this young girl had gained through her, or some
hidden fear, no one could tell.

"I must go to town," she said; "but what excuse can I make?"

"Oh, anything! Tell Grant we want to make purchases. I'll do it. But why
must you go?"

"The money, I tell you the money! I have those stocks; if I could sell
them. I might tell Mr. Hinchley I was in debt and feared to have my
husband know it. Another lie--another lie!"

"Oh," groaned Elsie, "the lying is the least part of it! if that could
do you any good!"

"You don't know the worst. If you had to face him! Oh, Elsie, the shame,
the remorse!"

Elizabeth wrung her hands again with the same passionate fury she had
displayed after reading the note. Then Elsie began to grow hysterical
and cry out:

"You must stop! you must stop!"

Elizabeth made an effort to control her own suffering and soothe the
girl's nervous paroxysm, to which Elsie gave way with wilful
abandonment, half because she felt it, and half to escape a scene.

By the time they were both quieted Mr. Mellen returned to the room, and
by one of those evil chances that often happen he began speaking of the
very subject that had aroused their fears.

"Those bracelets are the admiration of everybody," he said.

Elizabeth glanced at Elsie. Her first impulse was to hide her hands, but
she checked that and forced herself to utter some sort of answer to his
remark.

Elsie gave another long yawn.

"I am going to bed," she exclaimed; "I advise you both to do the same."

"I wish I understood the meaning of the device. Let me see your
bracelet, Bessie," he continued, without heeding his sister and bent on
his own train of thought. "Just let me