n. So I feel
that is clear gain," laughing. "Mrs. Barrington is rather strict about
allowances, and she's shut down on so much sweets and hot chocolates. Do
you think it hurts one's complexion?"

"It certainly hurts yours. I would give them up, and so much cake; the
regular school living is good enough, and you should take a cold bath in
the morning."

"Ouch! That would be horrid," and the girl shuddered.

"But you want to be beautiful!"

"Oh, I am afraid that wouldn't make me beautiful, and when I am quite
grown up I shall have lovely clothes, and it doesn't so much matter when
you are rich."

Lilian glanced at her with a sort of pity that any girl could be so
silly, and a sense of disgust, also.

"Miss Nevins, I must say one thing that I want you to observe for the
future. You must not make me costly gifts nor any kind of gifts. The
help I am giving you Mrs. Barrington wishes me to give to any girl who
needs it. It is simply my duty, you see, and Mrs. Barrington repays me."

Miss Nevins looked as if she could not understand. Then she struck a
rather tragic pose.

"Oh, if you would only love me!" she cried, clasping her hands together.
"I am so lonely! I miss mamma every hour. Then I think I could learn to
like it here, and I'd try to study. I'd give up cream soda and--yes, I
_would_ take the bath, but it must be warm."

"Oh, you foolish thing!" Lilian laughed in spite of herself. "There, I
cannot stay here talking, and you must go to your lessons."

"No, I'll get some other girl and go down town. You are cold and cruel."

She was rather sullen all the evening and failed in some recitations the
next day. After that she studied with a better grace.

"Miss Arran," Lilian said on Sunday morning, "do you think I might take
mother to that little Chapel in Chester street. I think she would feel
more at home there."

"Oh, certainly. Mrs. Barrington insists that the girls shall attend at
least one service a Sunday. Then there is the Bible Class here, which
she makes very interesting. She and many of the girls go to Trinity, but
I like the Chapel a good deal myself. It is a Methodist, you know."

"Yes, mother was used to that service."

So they went together, though Louie Howe said--"We'll manage it so
Beauty and the Beast will walk together," but she missed her plan.

It was a very simple and sweet service and the sermon was on hidden
sins. Lilian wondered if hers was undue pride, the desire to rise above
h