ey are all on the other side away from the boarders. She was in
the study room an hour in the evening, with the smaller girls. We were
all at a different table that we had to ourselves. And--somehow, I never
saw much of her. I didn't have to go to Mrs. Boyd for my mending."

Aunt Kate had put her arm about Zay at the beginning of the story. The
mother noted with a pang that there was no real welcome in this
daughter's face. Was it jealousy?

Willard stood between his parents and laid a hand on the shoulder of
each.

"Oh," in a voice freighted with emotion. "I can't tell you how glad and
thankful I am that this sorrow of years is to be turned into such a
great all-pervading joy. We will be a perfect family again. Why, it will
be the romance of our lives! It almost makes me wish I were not going
away. And since you have seen her and are satisfied--mother----"

He stooped to kiss her.

"Oh," she returned, brokenly, "I want you all to love her, and be
patient with Zay. She has always been first so long."

"I think if I was a girl I'd be wild to have a sister to tell things
to--the little things a fellow tells his sweetheart, I suppose, when he
has one," laughing. "Vin and I discuss our gettings along and our hopes
and some funny scrapes that boys get into. But girls look at the
romantic side. And you can't think--but _I'm_ proud of this romance.
Why, it will be something to tell over to our children, and father's
been a trump, but I think it's a good deal owing to you. Oh, I hope
_she_ is like you."

The mother smiled as she kissed him.

Zay came to say good-night. Her face had grave lines that were not wont
to be there.

"Oh, my darling," the mother said, "this is one of the things that
cannot make any difference in our love for you. And if you could only
understand the burthen it had lifted off my soul. A hundred times I have
said: 'Oh, why did I take baby Marguerite on that journey?' She was so
strong and well and I was so proud of her, I wanted your father to see
her."

"And you will be proud of her again. She is going to be a fine scholar,
and I'm just pretty to look at, that's all! I can't make myself love
anyone all in a moment," and she gave a little sob.

"My child, the love will come if you do not steel your heart against it.
Think, Zay, a twin sister----"

"But she is larger, different and a sort of story heroine. Everyone will
be interested in her and I shall be pushed quite to the wall."

"Oh,