Mrs.Reffold herself rather avoided her, having always a vague suspicion that Bernardine tried to make fun of her.

But whether out of perversity or not, Bernardine never would be avoided by her, never let her pass by without a few words of conversation, and always went to her for information, much to the amusement of Mrs.Reffold's faithful attendants.

There was always a twinkle in Bernardine's eye when she spoke with Mrs.Reffold.She never fastened herself on to any one; no one could say she intruded.

As time went, on there was a vague sort of feeling that she did not intrude enough.

She was ready to speak if any one cared to speak with her, but she never began a conversation except with Mrs.Reffold.When people did talk to her, they found her genial.