one from her heart, if indeed it was her heart whose racing
pulsation could decide for her, and keep or banish a guest.

"Not all the time," corrected Helen. "She told me a little of her story,
told it briefly, I mean, and left me to infer the rest; explained _why_
she wanted an education, and the almost accident of her coming here. She
seemed so lonely at Christmas-tide when so many of you were away in
happy homes, having delightful times with plenty of love and joy and
good cheer. Well, I felt rather lonely as well."

"And then I came back to you with a heart full of love, and she had
crept in. Why didn't you tell me----"

Daisy's voice trembled and she loosened one hand to wipe her eyes. Helen
was much moved.

"There really was nothing to tell. We had made no vows, exchanged no
promises, broken no rings," with a scornful little laugh. "I set her
straight on two or three points, I scolded her a little, yes, I just
did, and I wanted her to mix with, and be more like other girls. I don't
believe you, with joyous homes and brothers and sisters, can understand
the lonely life she has led."

"As _you_ can," with a touch of girlish sarcasm.

"Yes, as I can. I have a kindly uncle and aunt, who have cared for me
since father died, and a lot of cousins growing up into commonplace men
and women. There are dozens of tender ties, but no real sympathy with my
desires. Aunt thought I knew quite enough, and so I would for some
lives. The longing and desire for other things, better things, helps me
to understand her. But it was only a week or ten days ago--some
strictures of the girls made her very unhappy----"

"She shouldn't have listened. The old adage is a good one," with a
scornful laugh.

"She could not help it. I think some of the girls have not treated her
kindly, they have even been rude. And it was mean to try to set her age
so much farther on, and to call her an old maid."

"She doesn't look young."

"She will have a guardian for almost two years longer. I suppose in law
you have to give your exact age. Some of the people I love best are very
far from young."

"I suppose you love a great many!" with an emphasis as bitter as her
tender voice could make. She could put anger in it, but bitterness never
could be part and parcel of it.

"I love a few. I am not very rich in friends. But I know I am capable of
loving a good many people for different qualities."

Helen stood up very straight. She was growing tall r