charming girl who was nobody's despised niece?

Sylvia's heart beat hotly, and she began to run. Why was she wasting
time when she wished to see what sort of reception would be accorded
this stranger? Possibly, even, she was a favorite with Judge Trent. The
thought gave Sylvia a forlorn pang, but she hurried on. Soon she again
caught sight of the newcomer, who was passing out of the woods and
starting up the incline that led to the house. Sylvia at once began to
move slowly, her feet noiseless on the grass.

Cap'n Lem and Thinkright now came in view, returning from the barn, and
Sylvia's eyes grew large as she heard the stranger's gay cry and the
men's response.

They hastened down the hill to meet her. Cap'n Lem took her bag while
she laughingly received their surprised welcome, and she threw her arms
around Thinkright's neck and kissed him. Neither of the three observed
Sylvia, who followed at a distance until they went inside and the house
door closed upon them.

Pausing, to wonder and speculate, the chill of the evening made the
girl shiver. The door had shut her out. She felt lonely and forlorn.

CHAPTER X

CAPITULATION

When Sylvia finally drew near the kitchen she heard talking and
laughing within. Turning the handle and opening the door, a happy
domestic scene was revealed, of which the strange girl was the centre.
Her hat and jacket were lying on a calico-covered couch, a large apron
enveloped her cloth gown, and she was wiping the dishes as Mrs. Lem
washed them at the sink. Minty was running back and forth putting them
away. Thinkright and Cap'n Lem were seated near the stove, and as the
door opened a burst of laughter escaped from them at some remark of the
visitor.

At sight of Sylvia's white face her cousin arose.

"I was just beginning to wonder where you were, little girl," he said
kindly. "I want you to know Miss Edna Derwent. This is my cousin,
Sylvia Lacey, Edna."

The latter came forward, holding in one hand a plate and towel, while
she offered the other to Sylvia's cold acceptance.

"I'm fond of the name of Lacey," said the visitor, smiling into the
other girl's grave eyes with the same gay, sweet expression that a few
minutes ago had rested on Benny the boatman. Thinkright noted the quick
hardening of Sylvia's face.

"Your Miss Lacey is aunt to this one, Edna," he said, "but Sylvia
doesn't know Miss Martha yet. She has lived in the West all her life."

Mrs. Lem's sharp ears