At any cost--at any cost--we will free ourselves from the heritage of weakness and contempt!' The assembly was longer than usual in dispersing.

When all were gone, Miss Barfoot listened for a footstep in the other room.

As she could detect no sound, she went to see if Rhoda was there or not.
Yes; Rhoda was sitting in a thoughtful attitude.

She looked up, smiled, and came a few paces forward.
'It was very good.' 'I thought it would please you.' Miss Barfoot drew nearer, and added,-- 'It was addressed to you.

It seemed to me that you had forgotten how I really thought about these things.' 'I have been ill-tempered,' Rhoda replied.