doesn't get easier for
being deferred. Everything that is worth learning in life we have to
worry out for ourselves!"

Darsie drew a long, trembling sigh. How puzzling life was, when the two
people on whose judgment you most relied delivered themselves of
directly opposing verdicts! Mrs Reeves believed that her help was all-
important to Ralph's progress; Dan insisted that her efforts were in
vain.

Was he right? Was he wrong? Could she honestly assure herself that
Ralph was stronger, more self-reliant, more able to stand alone without
the stimulus of constant support and encouragement? Instinctively
Darsie's hand went up to touch the little golden brooch which fastened
the lace collar of her blouse. If the anchor were withdrawn, would
Ralph drift once more towards the rocks? The answer was difficult. She
pondered it aloud, speaking in low, anxious tones, with lengthened
pauses between the words.

"We're both right, Dan. We've both got hold of _bits_ of the truth! In
the end we must win through for ourselves, but surely, in preparation
for the battle, we can give each other _some_ help. Some natures seem
made to stand, and others to lean. A prop is not of much account, but
it may serve to keep a plant straight while it is gathering strength.
The big oaks need no props; they are so strong that they can't
understand; they have no pity for weakness."

Dan stopped short in his pacings.

"That meant for me, Darsie?"

"Humph! Just as you please! Oaks are nice things--big, and strong, and
restful, but just a little bit inclined to grow--_gnarled_!"

Dan vouchsafed no reply, and Darsie sat, hands clasped round knees,
staring into the fire for five long, silent minutes. She was hoping
that Dan would never grow "gnarled" towards herself, longing for him to
speak and promise that he would not, but he still remained silent, and
presently the door burst open, the rinking party appeared on the
threshold, and the opportunity for quiet conclave was over.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

NEW YEAR'S EVE.

Seated alone in the train, _en route_ for her visit to the Percivals,
Darsie had time to think in a more quiet and undisturbed fashion than
had been possible in the past bustling days, and a disagreeable feeling
of apprehension arose in her mind as she recalled the wording of the
three invitations. In each was present the same note of depression, the
same hint of trouble in connection with the son of the house.