rest!" and with a
manner altogether out of keeping with the Celia known to most persons, she
drew the child to her. "I wish you would love me, dear," she said.

Rosalind's shyness faded away. She forgot about the rose, and Aunt
Genevieve's words. Here was a new friend, one who cared about the Forest.
She responded warmly to Celia's caress, and when a few minutes later the
other Arden Foresters rushed upon the scene, the two were talking together
as if they had known each other always.

"Miss Celia, are you going to join our society?" asked Belle, the ardent,
flying to her side and giving her a hug.

"Don't stick yourself on my needle! I haven't been invited yet. Rosalind
tells me it is a secret society, and of course I am dying to know about
it."

"Let's tell her," said Katherine.

"Girls always want to tell everything," remarked Jack, causing Belle to
frown upon him sternly.

"The magician has joined," added Rosalind.

"Then I don't see why Miss Celia can't. Do you, Maurice?" asked Belle.

"Listen, Belle," said Celia, laughing, and without waiting for Maurice's
reply, "there may be some difference of opinion as to whether I should be
a desirable member or not; suppose you go over there under the oak and
talk it over. Then if you want me I'll consider the question."

This seemed a sensible suggestion, and the Foresters retired to the shade
of the scarlet oak to discuss the matter. Jack had meant nothing but a
fling at the feminine fondness for telling things, and was astonished that
his remark could be supposed to reflect upon Miss Celia; and as no one
else found any objection to the new member, they returned presently to
inform her that she was by unanimous consent invited to become an honorary
member of their society.

"As honorary members aren't expected to do much, I'll consider it. Now
please tell me about it. What is its name and object?"

Maurice produced the book and read, "'The name of this Society shall be
The Arden Foresters.'"

"That sounds like Robin Hood, don't you think?" Belle put in.

"'The object,'" Maurice continued, "'shall be to remember the Secret of
the Forest, to bear hard things bravely, to search for the ring, and
reciprocity.'"

"What ring?" Celia asked, smiling at the queer ending to this article.

"Don't you know? Patricia's ring. The one that is lost," Rosalind
explained, sorting her leaves.

"I fear it is a hopeless quest."

"Maurice," Rosalind exclaimed, "that is the