ly. Dr. Thorpe's greeting was cordial;
Mrs. Thorpe kissed Phyllis affectionately. The men went to the warden's
office; Mrs. Thorpe took Phyllis to her room. They had a long talk.
Phyllis found Mrs. Thorpe could be plain-spoken as well as kind.

"You did wrong, dear girl," she said, with her arms around her. "I know
how hard it was to hear him utter those terrible untruths; but you
should have been more patient. Nothing he said could injure any
one--least of all your mother, who is now where there is no
misunderstanding--and no pain. Your wounded heart impelled you to a mad
act, dear girl; but your pride has kept you in the wrong. John Landless
is a dear fellow--and Donald thinks he is a true poet. I have laughed at
him until he is shy about mentioning his 'profession' to me. It is
possible for you to be very happy. Soften your heart, dear girl, and you
will find the truest happiness in the happiness of your uncle. Your
mother would be the first to tell you to go to him and comfort his
loneliness--if she could. The best joys of life come to us through
self-surrender."

Phyllis laid her head in Mrs. Thorpe's lap and had a good cry; then she
felt better.

"Promise?" asked Mrs. Thorpe, smiling.

"No, I won't promise," said Phyllis. "I couldn't promise now. But I will
try."

"And now," said Mrs. Thorpe, "let's go and see the babies. There are
some new ones since you were here; but one wee mite is gone, forever."

Phyllis sat on the floor among the babies, and played with them, until
her cheeks were rosy and her golden hair disheveled. Between romps she
told Mrs. Thorpe that John's book would soon be published.

"Well, that is good news!" exclaimed Mrs. Thorpe. "Donald will be so
happy to hear of that. It is remarkable that he should have a book
published so soon. Poems, too."

"Yes, it is remarkable," replied Phyllis demurely. "But then, John's
talent is remarkable."

Meanwhile, in the warden's office, Dr. Thorpe sat at his desk and John
sat on it, and swung his long legs. He told him about the book.

"By Jove! I congratulate you, with all my heart," said Dr. Thorpe
warmly. "You will let me know the first day it is on sale. I shall wish
to buy a copy."

"Buy a copy!" John demurred. "Well, upon my word! You and Mrs. Thorpe
will receive a copy, affectionately inscribed by the author; the first
copy off the press--the second, I should say."

Dr. Thorpe grinned.

"Let me buy it, John," he said. "I shall go from