ervice.

So today, looking out over the water, but now that her sketching was
over, no longer interested in the view, Gerry faced what seemed to her
an interminable number of lonely summers and winters and springs and
autumns. In her earlier acquaintance with Mrs. Burton, when the great
lady had revealed an unexpected interest in her, Gerry, as she had
lately confessed to Sally Ashton, had dreamed impossible dreams. In
those days she had imagined herself as Mrs. Burton's ward, living in her
home, or traveling about with her over the world meeting rich and famous
people.

Then at the last Gerry's vision had always been a wealthy marriage. A
foolish dream perhaps, and yet not original or uncommon!

She did not think of her marriage as bringing her love or spiritual
happiness, only wealth and social prominence. But at this time in her
life Gerry of course believed that the last two possessions represented
the character of happiness she sought.

Having awakened to reality with regard to Mrs. Burton's attitude,
appreciating that she felt for her only a kindly interest and a moderate
affection, Gerry was the more intent upon discovering some immediate
solution for her own future.

From this summer in California she had hoped a great deal. She had
thought through Mrs. Burton's prominence that it might be possible to
make wealthy and worth-while friends. Now it appeared that the Camp Fire
guardian intended to have her group of girls spend a secluded summer,
deriving their entertainment from their life together outdoors in this
beautiful place.

In consequence Gerry was deeply disappointed. Today she felt that the
prospect ahead was dreary and dissatisfying. Mrs. Burton expected her to
work and had no notion of assisting her toward any other fate. She had
made her own way in the world and believed that work brought one the
finest satisfaction. But Gerry recognized her own commonplaceness and
understood that unconsciously Mrs. Burton was not altogether fair. Of
course, if one possessed great talent, then work lifted you above
dullness and routine, brought you beauty and joy. Yet she could only
picture herself pursuing some stupid task, since she had neither
education nor especial ability in any direction. Her only gifts,
prettiness and her desire for the refinements of life which always had
been denied her, little in truth to offer when there was no one to
help!

Then, intending to banish her attack of blues, Gerry jumpe