e room,
but I stood for a moment at the window looking out into the garden. I
felt the sting of Mrs. Forsyth's words; she did not often hint so plainly
what a trouble I was to her, and though I knew it was true, it gave me a
lonely, desolate feeling, and I wondered how I could always bear it.
Tears came to my eyes, and then suddenly Kenneth's voice broke in,

'Crying, Goody? What's the matter?'

I had not noticed he was in the room, and hastily controlled myself. His
light, bantering tone jarred upon me, but I answered, trying to laugh,
'Nothing; I am silly, that is all.'

'I don't think you can want to go to wicked London, do you?' he pursued,
as he threw himself back into an easy chair and surveyed me meditatively.
'Do you think you are being banished to Miss Rayner's as a punishment?'

'Of course not. I--I am only sorry that I vex your mother so.'

'You have the remedy in your own hands. But I suppose you get a good
deal of pleasure out of the consciousness of your own superiority to us
all, and that solaces and supports you through everything.'

'You know that is not so!' I said, and my tone was indignant.

He laughed. 'You mustn't get angry, you know; that is not saintly. Are
you frightened of our respected aunt?'

'No, not frightened, but I am not fond of making fresh acquaintances, and
sometimes I feel that there is no place for me here; if only I had a home
of my own!'

'I think I can manage that for you,' was Kenneth's reply. 'Let me send a
line to Gates; I will tell him you are relenting.'

I ignored this speech, and continued: 'You know what I mean. If my
parents had lived, it would have been so different. Not that I have
anything to complain of. No one could be kinder than General and Mrs.
Forsyth. I am only sorry that I have disappointed them so!'

Kenneth was silent for a moment, then he said cheerfully, 'Look here! I
am not going up to town, so I promise to ride over and see you while you
are with my aunt. Then you can tell me if she is bullying you. You need
not stay there if you do not like it.'

I laughed.

'Perhaps I shall like her so much that I shall not want to come back
here. But I shall be very glad to see you if you come.'

CHAPTER VIII

DRAWN TOGETHER

'As we meet and touch each day
The many travellers on our way,
Let every such brief contact be
A glorious helpful ministry.'

I have a very pleasant recollection of my arrival at Miss Rayner's