, a
capacious bureau, a dressing table, a washing stand in a recess, a
writing desk and some book shelves. It looked so cozy and inviting.

"I will send up the tea, and I think your mother had better take a rest.
If you like to come down you will find me in the hall."

"Thank you," she replied. "I shall be glad to come."

She took her mother's bonnet and wrap and placed her in the rocking
chair.

"Oh, isn't this a splendid closet? It's like another room. We are going
to be so happy here; I feel it in every pulse. Heaven bless Mrs. Searing
for finding us this shelter. Now drink this cup of tea. Thank you," to
the maid.

It was reviving.

Lilian brushed out her dress and smoothed her hair. Her coat had left
some wrinkles in her shirtwaist, but she stretched and patted them out.
Then when she had seen her mother comfortable on the bed, she came down.
Even the little freshening made her look bright and rosy and her eyes
were vivid with the light of pleasure.

Mrs. Barrington had a bit of fancy work in her hands which were white
and shapely. She studied the young girl. It seemed to call up something
from the long past years that eluded and yet piqued her. How different
she was from the mother.

"Have you always lived in that western town, Laconia, I believe it is,
and was it your mother's birthplace?"

"Yes, I am quite sure. I was away once as a baby. Mother went to her
brother's after father died but did not like it, and Laconia is an ugly
manufacturing town of smoke and grime, but it is said to have a fine
High School. Of course there are some rich manufacturers."

"How long were you in it?"

"Two years, and I was fairly broken hearted at the thought of not
completing the course, but mother wasn't strong as she had been,
and"--yes, she would be bravely honest--"we were poor, mother's little
money was almost spent. Boys supported themselves while they are
studying, why shouldn't girls?"

Oh, where had she seen just that proud uplifting look! It puzzled the
lady.

"I am always pleased to help an ambitious girl along, and you have a
dignity which will be a great aid in teaching. Mrs. Searing said that
was your desire."

"I love to study. I think I shall love to teach, and sometime I hope to
go to college."

"I think you will work your way there. What branches were you in?"

Lilian was very frank. She showed that she was a thorough student.
History was one of her delights. Latin was the only language admi