h you. In the first place, you
will have something to go on with--mental resources, I mean, for which
you have a natural craving, books and art and nature, the best thoughts
and the best interpretations. We can give you these. And you will have
your child, and work to do, for I'm sure you're industrious. And of
course I'll keep your secret, my dear."

"But--how?" Janet exclaimed.

"I've arranged it all. You'll stay here this spring, you'll come to my
house on Monday, just as we planned, and later on you may go to Mrs.
Case's, if it will make you feel more independent, and do typewriting
until the spring term is over. I've told you about my little camp away
up in Canada, in the heart of the wilderness, where I go in summer.
We'll stay there until the autumn, until your baby comes, and, after
that, I know it won't be difficult to get you a position in the west,
where you can gain your living and have your child. I have a good friend
in California who I'm sure will help you. And even if your secret should
eventually be discovered--which is not probable--you will have earned
respect, and society is not as stern as it used to be. And you will
always have me for a friend. There, that's the bright side of it. Of
course it isn't a bed of roses, but I've lived long enough to observe
that the people who lie on roses don't always have the happiest lives.
Whenever you want help and advice, I shall always be here, and from time
to time I'll be seeing you. Isn't that sensible?"

"Oh, Mrs. Maturin--if you really want me--still?"

"I do want you, Janet, even more than I did--before, because you need
me more," Mrs. Maturin replied, with a sincerity that could not fail to
bring conviction....

CHAPTER XXI

As the spring progressed, Janet grew stronger, became well again,
and through the kindness of Dr. Ledyard, the principal, was presently
installed with a typewriter in a little room in an old building
belonging to the Academy in what was called Bramble Street, and not
far from the Common. Here, during the day, she industriously copied
manuscripts' or, from her notebook, letters dictated by various members
of the faculty. And she was pleased when they exclaimed delightedly at
the flawless copies and failed to suspect her of frequent pilgrimages to
the dictionary in the library in order to familiarize herself with the
meaning and manner of spelling various academic words. At first it
was almost bewildering to find herself in