Dorrie."

And Joan spread the letter on her knee; her hands were trembling as she
patted it open.

"This is what Sylvia says:

The Studio is perfect--north side full of windows; south side full
of fireplace; your room and mine on the east; stars and sunlight on
tap from the windows. We are on top of the city and nothing hinders
our view. We walk up and none come but those worthy of us--come,
Joan, you always said that you would.

Your future will be blasted unless you break away from your rich
relatives. Nothing is such a curse as that which prevents you
proving yourself; you remember about the poem which dealt with
proving your soul?--how you spouted it. I know that you are gifted,
child, but the world doesn't. If we fail, you at least can, after
you pay proper respects to my remains, go back to that adorable aunt
of yours and flop in the lap of luxury--but make the attempt to
reach glory first.

I suppose Nan will raise a ladylike dust--but come! Come
empty-handed--it's the only honest way. Come prepared to eat your
bread by the sweat of your brow--or go hungry.

I bet your aunt will see the squareness of this offer if you put it
right. Come!

The light broadened outside--the little chapel was flooded with the
golden glow.

Even while her heart sank and grew heavy, Doris was moved with an almost
terrible understanding of the girl across the room. She wanted to push
her on her way instead of holding her back, and at the same time she
was striving to clutch her as she went her way.

Yes, that was it. Joan was already started; nothing could hold her
back--but still the battle waged, while Doris smiled tremblingly.

"I know, Aunt Dorrie, I know. It hurts--but--but--oh! listen, dear. This
seems my chance; perhaps it isn't--but I can never know until I try.
Dearie--I will do just what you say. I will, and I will think you right.
I want so much to try and find out what is in me that I--I cannot see
clear."

For a moment Doris could not see the girl across the room. The sunlight
fell full on her, and hid her, rather than revealed her.

"I'll try to be worthy of your faith in me, darling. Go on." Doris spoke
quietly.

They did not come together physically, these two. They felt no need of
the affectionate human contact; it was more one soul reaching out to
another with courage and honesty.

Doris listened, following closely. People and p