Grace made a vain effort to think of something to say to this hitherto unapproachable senior who had suddenly become so humble.

Before she could frame a reply Alberta continued almost sullenly: "I don't know why I should care so much.

But after Julia Crosby told me how you saved her life when she broke through the ice into the river and what a splendid girl you were, I felt awfully ashamed of myself.

She talked to me and made me promise I would come to see you as soon as I returned to Overton.

I am afraid I would have stayed away, though, if it hadn't been for something else." Grace's eyes were frankly questioning, but she still said nothing.
"It is about that Miss West," said the senior, as though in answer to Grace's mute inquiry.