ne like me is only in the way in such a place, unless
she sits quiet in a corner. That is all very well for a little time,
but it soon becomes stupid enough."

"But you are not a little girl. You are fifteen," said Christie.

"Yes, I am too old to be contented with a seat in a corner, so I don't
like parties yet. And I do believe father thinks it is because I am so
sensible."

Christie could not help laughing at the half-grave, half-comic way in
which this was spoken.

"It must be very pleasant to be a belle, however," continued Gertrude,
meditatively, "to have all eyes fixed on you in admiration, and to
eclipse all the rest of the stars."

"But that doesn't often happen, except in books, I fancy," said
Christie.

"Well, I suppose not. It couldn't happen very often. But it must be
delightful when it _does_ happen. Don't you think so?" she added, as
Christie's face grew grave. "Wouldn't you like to shine, as Miss
Atherton will, at the Youngs' to-night?"

"You forget I don't know about these things," said Christie.

"Nonsense! You can imagine how it would seem. I can imagine how it
would seem to be drawn over the snow by reindeer, or to be carried away
in a balloon. Now, tell me--wouldn't you like to be beautiful and rich,
and admired by everybody?"

"I can imagine something I would like far better."

"What, the model farm, and to live at home? Oh, but if you are to wish,
you know, you may as well wish for riches and beauty and all the rest at
once! You would never stop short at your farm and contentment, if you
had your wish."

Christie shook her head. "I think I would not wish at all."

"Do you mean that you are so satisfied with your lot that you would not
have it different if your wish could change it?" asked Miss Gertrude, in
some surprise.

Christie hesitated a moment.

"I mean that I don't know what is best for me or for those I love, and
He who has appointed our lot does; and so all things are best as they
are."

"Do you mean that you would rather be as you are, living away from home,
among strangers, poor and not very strong, than to have all that we
sometimes talk about, and to be able to be benevolent and live at home
with your sisters?"

"Ah, that would be very pleasant; at least, it seems so now. But still
it might not be best for us. If it would be best, we should have it so,
I am quite sure."

Gertrude opened her eyes in amazement.

"But I don't know what you mean by