It certainly was very late for the evening meal, but he would not worry Miriam with any signs of impatience.

That would be unkind indeed, when she was slaving away in the kitchen, while he sat here enjoying the evening coolness.
In a few minutes he heard his sister's step in the hall, and then a sob.
He had scarcely time to turn, when Miriam ran out, and threw herself down on the wide seat beside him.

Her face, as he could see it in the dim light, was one of despair, and as sob after sob broke from her, tears ran down her cheeks.

Tenderly he put his arm around her and urged her to tell him what had happened.
"Oh, Ralph," she sobbed, "it is very hard, but I know it is true.

I have been just filled with vanity and pride, and after all I am nothing like as good as she is, nor as good as anybody, and the best I can do is to go back to school." "What is the matter ?" exclaimed Ralph.