Zay, you are a foolish little girl. But you have had all the
admiration and love, and we must wait patiently until you understand
that love can never be impoverished by giving. Think of this, pray for a
generous heart, and let her love you."

Aunt Kate was waiting in her room. And Zay's overcharged heart gave way
to a passion of weeping on the friendly bosom.

"Dear, I know how hard it is to be crowded out. Of course everyone will
flock around her for a while and never having had much admiration she
will be the more eager for it. And as will be perfectly natural when the
first interest is worn off, the real grain will be apparent and I dare
say she will show her common breeding. Why, this Mrs. Boyd had next to
no education. I shouldn't want anyone to see that so-called confession,
but I dare say your father will keep it close enough, for he would be
ashamed to have any one see it. I'm sorry the story had to get abroad,
but your father thought there would be so many surmises, and perhaps,
exaggerations. It's a horrid thing to live through, but your mother is
so much happier. Why, she seemed ten years younger. And you will always
have a staunch friend in me. No one can oust you from my heart if she
had all the gifts of the nine graces. Oh, you will come back to your
rightful place, never fear."

But Zay wept herself to sleep with an ache in her heart that crowded out
all tender feelings.

After a long while Lilian Boyd fell asleep and there came no
disturbance. Just at daylight Miss Arran leaned over the bed and touched
the cold face, felt for the heart. There was not the faintest motion.
There had not been a sound or a sigh, she had just lapsed into her
dreamless sleep. She summoned Mrs. Dane.

"It is much better so. There will be nothing painful to remember," said
that lady.

"Mother, mother!" and Lilian roused suddenly.

"My dear," said Miss Arran, "she has gone to her rest in the most
peaceful manner. The doctor said it might be so, and you have done your
full duty. My dear, you can go to your own mother's arms with the
clearest conscience. I am glad, we are all glad that you elected to
stay, though your father, in his first indignation, would have swept you
away. I hardly see how you won your way. Come to Mrs. Dane's room and
have a cup of coffee."

She gave one long look at the still face. Oh, how thin and worn it was,
yet there was a certain peacefulness that comforted the girl. Mrs.
Harrington came in an