he Terrace. And
that half-hour in the shop, where they found Miss Pennington
comfortably established by the fire with a book! Charlotte could still
feel the atmosphere of sympathy and reason that enveloped her as she
poured out her story to these strangers with all the pent-up
unhappiness of the past week. How gently they had pointed out that
running away would only add difficulties to the situation.

Her face grew hot now at the thought of how silly she must have seemed
to them. And she wished these young ladies to think well of
her,--which, of course, they never could do.

Aunt Virginia had been good, too. A wave of warm affection surged up
in Charlotte's heart, and with it a determination to be a comfort to
her after this. As she dressed, she wondered if she would ever again
be free from this dreadful feeling of shame. She hated to go down to
breakfast, even though Aunt Caroline did not know.

Later in the day Aunt Virginia called her into her room and closed
the door. There was a pretty flush on her face as she sat erect in an
arm-chair which, like the other furniture in the room, had been her
grandmother's. Beside her on a table was an old Bible with yellow
leaves, and some ancient books of devotion.

"I have been talking to your Aunt Caroline," Miss Wilbur began.

Charlotte started.

"I do not mean about last night. While I feel almost deceitful in
keeping it from her, I have decided to do it. As I told you, your Aunt
Georgiana is out of health and must go to California, and it seems
Caroline's duty to go with her. This will leave you in my charge. You
were really put in my charge at first, but I felt inexperienced and--"
Miss Virginia hesitated, then continued: "What I have been thinking is
this. I should like to try again, starting fresh and forgetting all
that has happened. I think if you would promise always to be frank
with me, and perhaps put up with some things that seem to you foolish
and old-fashioned notions, that we could get along together. I loved
your mother, and I want to love you and have your affection. But if
you cannot be happy, I will write to Mr. Landor and explain--"

"Aunt Virginia, I do love you. I don't want to go away. I am so sorry
about last night!" Charlotte buried her face in her aunt's lap.

"Don't cry, dear. It is all over, then, and we will forget it." Miss
Virginia caressed the brown head.

"But I am so ashamed. It hurts--I can't forget."

"Well, dear, perhaps you had