My home has never been a place to which I could have invited friends with any comfort, even if I had had any to invite.

There were always reasons--but I can't speak of them.' 'My dear Marian,' appealed Dora, 'don't distress yourself so! Do believe that nothing whatever has happened to change our feeling to you.

Has there, Maud ?' 'Nothing whatever.

We are not unreasonable girls, Marian.' 'I am more grateful to you than I can say.' It had seemed as if Marian must give way to the emotions which all but choked her voice; she overcame them, however, and presently was able to talk in pretty much her usual way, though when she smiled it was but faintly.

Maud tried to lead her thoughts in another direction by speaking of work in which she and Dora were engaged.