er seen
her ruffled. She is just lovely. But it is Elizabeth who is my friend."

"Indeed!"

"Our friendship is a very real one," continued Mrs. Godfrey
thoughtfully; "and next to my husband there is no one whom I could
trust as I could Elizabeth Templeton. She is very strong."

"Oh yes, she is very strong," in a ruminative manner.

"Have you found that out already?" in a surprised tone. "But I remember
you are a student of human nature, Mr. Herrick, and rather a keen
observer. Most people would not be able to diagnose Elizabeth
Templeton's character correctly at the end of one short week. When I
was first introduced to her, thirteen or fourteen years ago, I told
Alick that I should never get on with any one who was so reserved and
so stand-offish, but I soon changed my opinion. I found out that a
great deal of her reserve was in reality shyness, and that her
frankness and openness of disposition were her chief charms."

"And then you became friends?"

"Yes; but not for a long time. We are neither of us at all gushing, and
I was an old married woman, you know. But there came a time when she
needed my help--when she was in anxiety--and a woman's counsel and
woman's sympathy were a comfort to her." Here Mrs. Godfrey paused as
she became aware of the concentrated keenness in Malcolm's eyes, and
added hastily, "The trouble was not her own; but it is Elizabeth's
nature to take the burdens of others on her own shoulders. I never knew
any one capable of such intense sympathy. It is a rare gift, Mr.
Herrick, but it brings its possessor great suffering."

"You are right," in a low tone.

"I knew then that she was a woman in a thousand, and we have been close
and dear friends ever since. Not that we often meet. She is a busy
woman and so am I, but we generally stay at the Wood House once a year,
and Elizabeth comes to me for a few days' rest and refreshment whenever
she can spare the time. Alick teases me sometimes about my lady-love,
but I assure you that he is very fond of her, and is always delighted
to hear she is coming to the Manor House."

Malcolm listened to this with deep interest. It seemed to him that
every one who spoke to him of Elizabeth Templeton praised her without
stint or limit; she was evidently much beloved, and the very fact that
a person like Mrs. Godfrey should choose her for her most trusted
friend was no mean title of honour; never was there a woman more
fastidious and discriminating in her idea