But I'm sorry, for she was the sweetest girl I knew." Stephen had never been very popular, and his absence at college still further reduced the number of young people who might be inclined to call.

Their not calling confirmed Caroline's belief that she and her brother were deliberately shunned because of their change in circumstances, and she grew more sensitive and proudly resentful in consequence.

Naturally she turned for comfort to those who remained faithful, the Dunns in particular.

They were loyal to her.

Therefore, with the intensity of her nature, she became doubly loyal to them.