Gifford never seemed to care to talk much to her.

What was that Miss Deborah had said of his once caring for Helen?
She had the good sense to be ashamed of herself for remembering it, but a thought which comes even into an unwilling mind cannot be driven away without leaving its impress; the point of view is subtilely and unconsciously changed.

She was not altogether cordial to Gifford, when he said good-by to her, which he was quick to feel.

"He thinks only of Helen," she said to herself.

"I suppose he has forgotten anything he ever said to me, and my promise, too.