sp, the love unutterable in both faces filled her with a
wordless admiration. It seemed as if she could stand there forever, as
if all her longings were lost in this rapture.

Presently she summoned courage to go in and inquire about it. A modern
Madonna by a young German, a new thought of divine motherhood. It was a
very fine photograph, framed, and the price was fifteen dollars.

Of course she had no more thought of buying it than of the lawns and
laces. But she was very glad she had seen it. Sometime there might be a
new world for her, where she could have a few of these lovely things.
She must descend to gingham and shirting muslin.

Then she hurried on to Mrs. Dayton's. Uncle Jason had not come. There
was a very fine old lady sitting on the porch in a silken gown with
ruffles and laces, a heavy golden chain drooping about her waist, a
large diamond flashing at her throat and smaller ones in her ears; while
her fingers were jeweled to the last degree. But oh, how wrinkled she
was, and her hair was threaded with white, while her eyes seemed almost
faded out.

Helen went around to the side entrance. Mrs. Dayton was arranging the
table for supper. A very pleasant, plump, amiable woman of middle-life
in a white gown, almost covered with a big apron.

"Why Helen Grant! Aren't you tired to death with those bundles? Sit down
and get a breath. Your uncle said you would come. Take off your hat.
You're just in time to have a bit of supper. Mr. Mulford said you were
sent to do a lot of shopping. How did you make out?"

"Oh, very well, I think. You see I did not have to use my taste or
judgment, it was all mapped out for me," smiling. "I was afraid I should
be late."

"Oh, your uncle said it would be near seven when he came. And it is only
quarter past six. Now take off your hat and fan yourself cool, and in
five minutes I'll call the folks. They haven't all come yet. The
Disbrowes get here to-night. I heard you quite distinguished yourself at
school! You take learning from your father's side. The Mulford genius
does not run in that channel."

Mrs. Dayton gave a pleasant smile. There was no malice in her speech.
Helen colored a little under the praise.

"Pity you don't live nearer so that you could come in to the High
School."

"Oh, I wish I could. I love to study. And there are so many splendid
things in the world that one would like to know."

"What are you going to do with yourself?"

Ah, it was not what she w