d in a sort of extenuation for the girls.

"I think it was because she wanted to do her hardest work unnoticed, for
one thing, and she doesn't seem at all proud of the money though it is
honorably obtained. She is very timid because she realizes her own
deficiencies. I can't help feeling things would have been better with
her if that Mrs. Howard had been her guardian's wife. Think, she's
nineteen years old and no one has ever given her a bit of love,
until----"

The great clock in the hall rolled out ten in its ponderous tones.

"Oh, good gracious!" Daisy jumped lightly from her bed. Helen put out
the light and went on with her undressing. There could be no reading.
She did not say a word, but knelt down presently.

It was hard to know just what was right and best. She had a feeling that
she ought to go over to Daisy, since she had given the offense--it was
not an offense on her part--but she could say, "I am sorry we quarreled
when we meant to be such dear friends." She repeated "Our Father, who
art in heaven," and then she remembered the man who prayed for wisdom,
and who chose wisdom.

Two soft arms were around her neck and a tear-wet cheek was pressed
against hers.

"I've been a horrid, miserable, selfish little wretch! I do wonder if
you can ever love me any more? But I want you too, even if you must
love her some. I'm sorry----"

Helen kissed her a dozen times. "You little darling, I love you a
hundred times better than before, if such a thing were possible. And I'm
glad not to have any break. Run to bed, little midget, or we shall have
to confess to talking out of time."

Then they said good-night again, and so the first difference was made
up, but Daisy's jealous heart was not quite comforted.

There was a difference in the demeanor of most of the girls toward Miss
Craven, though few would have admitted the money had anything to do with
it. Miss Bigelow simply repeated Mrs. Davis's remark, that the girl
would be very rich. No one could say that she was loud or presuming, or
that her retiring manner was an evidence of pride. She went her way as
quietly as before. She acknowledged all the little politenesses in a shy
sort of way, but she was hard to get on with. She would only talk in
monosyllables, except to Helen Grant.

"She has the key to unlock her tongue," Miss Mays said. "Helen is the
sort of girl who will always be looking for fresh fields and pastures
new. I like her immensely, but I couldn't