."

The clergyman's astonishment was seen now on his face. Rosamund hastened
to interpose.

"Irene is my friend," she said, "and I think she is going to turn into a
very fine sort of woman, if not into an angel. Anyhow, here she is, and
I hope you bid her welcome."

"I do most heartily," said Mr. Singleton. "You must come and see us
often. I am very glad you have broken the ice at last. What good news,"
he continued, turning to Rosamund, "this is about your young friend! It
is such a relief to the Merrimans that she is getting on so well."

"And a great relief to me," said Rosamund.

Irene moved away to talk to three little red-haired girls, who made a
charming group, standing under an oak-tree. She soon had them in fits of
laughter; and Mr. Singleton, just glancing at her, spoke again to
Rosamund.

"What a miracle you have performed!" he said. "She is a changed
creature. But I suppose there is a great deal of the old Adam in her
still."

"Yes; but she will change still more. The fact is, she was so terribly
naughty because people used to be afraid of her."

"And you are not?"

"I certainly am not."

"My dear, there is something I want to say to you. Do you know that I
have had a conversation with Professor Merriman, and he gave me a very
queer account of your conduct? He seemed greatly distressed at the way
you have behaved."

Rosamund shrugged her shoulders.

"The Merrimans did not suit me," she said. "Life at The Follies does
suit me. At the Merrimans' I was growing to be a very naughty girl
myself. I could not stand Lucy, although I liked the Professor; and I
liked Laura Everett and one or two of the other girls. But at The
Follies, you see for yourself, rector, I have done no harm."

"Harm! Indeed, you have done most blessed good. I never could have
believed in such a change in any one. Why, that child is quite lovely."

"And by-and-by she will have a lovely mind," said Rosamund. "But, Mr.
Singleton, it is only right to tell you that I am practically expelled
from the Merrimans' school."

"That is a very grave matter. It ought not to be allowed," said the
rector. "The Professor cannot understand. His eyes must be blinded. You
have done a noble work."

"But I don't mind; and, besides, I could not go back."

"But you could if it were just and right, could you not?"

"I don't really think I could."

Just then the pony-cart came round. The rector said no more for the time
being; and a few minu