ful!"

"I think I know a little about it too," said Rosalind, sure that it was
almost as bad to have that lonely, echoing house behind her as to be
locked in. "Did you remember your oak leaf?" she asked.

"Yes, and I am not going to cry. Rosalind, we might have let Maurice in at
the door. Wasn't it stupid of us?"

"Why, Belle! of course we might."

Katherine and Jack meanwhile had made their way out, the latter requiring
a good deal of help, for getting in was easier than getting out. Jack was
very indignant with her for not staying with Rosalind, and treated her
with a cold disdain most trying.

As soon as she was in the open air, Katherine bitterly repented of her
cowardice. She followed Jack meekly as he strode across the grass toward
the Fairs', utterly ignoring her.

A sound of voices came from the summer-house, and Jack looked in to
discover Maurice talking to Miss Celia. He briefly explained the trouble,
adding, "If Morgan is at your house, Miss Celia, I'll go for him."

"I think you will find him. But what a thing for you children to do!"
Celia exclaimed, "Who stayed with Belle?"

"Rosalind. Katherine was afraid."

Katherine, who lingered outside, shrunk back as he said this. Her tears
began afresh. They all thought her a coward. She didn't want Miss Celia or
Maurice to see her. She turned and ran away.

CHAPTER NINETEENTH.

OLD ACQUAINTANCE.

"And there begins my sadness."

Allan Whittredge, strolling up the hill toward the Gilpin place late in
the afternoon, became aware of a dejected figure approaching, which
presently resolved itself into Katherine Roberts, who paused every few
minutes to press her handkerchief to her eyes.

"Why, Katherine, what is the trouble?" he asked, when he reached her side.

She stood still, not answering, and with her eyes covered. No one was in
sight up or down the street. Allan drew her toward a convenient carriage
block and, sitting beside her, asked his question again. His manner was
winning, and Katherine, in great need of sympathy, sobbed, "They won't
like me any more."

"Who won't?"

"Jack or Rosalind, or any of them," came in quivering tones.

"Why, what have you done that is so terrible? I thought quarrels were
unknown in the Forest."

Katherine shook her head. "It wasn't a quarrel. I was afraid because it
was dark,--and Jack said I was a coward. He told Maurice and Miss Celia
so." The confession ended in more tears.

Patiently Allan questi