years
of my youth to be happy in, but you sacrificed them for me, and they'll
never, never come back."

"That's all right," said her mother, kissing her. "My happiness since you
entered college has compensated for it, believe me, my dear little girl,"
and she kissed her tenderly.

CHAPTER XV

MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS

That winter Mrs. Hollister again had her teas and bridge parties, but
there was no more worry about where the money was coming from; in fact,
thanks to Mr. Casey's generosity she was able to pay all of her bills
and put some away for a rainy day. Her little functions were delightful
as usual, and the young people came in throngs to the house.

Ethel was happy in seeing her mother so contented, and in knowing that
her father had no more worries. Grandmother had grown younger, and better
than all, after Christmas Tom was coming to bring Aunt Susan. He had
business East and he was to leave her for three weeks, after which he
was to return for her.

Nora seemed less sad. She had developed into a very stylish up-to-date
young woman and everyone admired and liked her.

Mrs. Hollister was in her glory. Things for her were now so comfortable
and easy that she couldn't believe but what it was a dream from which
she might awaken and find everything the same old way.

Mrs. Bigelow made much of Nora, taking her around and introducing her
to her friends. Harvey called regularly and invited her twice a week
to the theatre. He was now a young surgeon in Roosevelt Hospital on the
ambulance, with a fine career open before him, and what's more he worked
very hard--often until late at night. People prophesied a great future
for Harvey and his parents were delighted, but none more so than Ethel,
whose encouragement was genuine and like the encouragement of a sister.

Teddy Kip kept up a great correspondence with Patty, who sent him postals
from every place.

"By George!" he said to the Hollisters, "do you know I correspond
with three girls who are abroad and they never write letters--only
postals--and if you believe it, I've got nearly a hamper filled with
them--'pon my word I have. If only Miss Patty would write a fellow a
real letter once in a while I'd be grateful."

Nora received a letter from Edna Whitely.

"I have some news for all of your girls. Mollie Long and Sallie Davis are
going to marry clergymen. They are brothers. Sallie's husband is going to
be a missionary to China."

"Isn't that aw