, dearie?" she asked. "Has any one been worrying you,
my treasure?"

"I have got to think about something," replied Beatrice. "And I am just
a very little upset. I am going into the garden with a book, and you
won't mind if I don't talk to you, mother dear?"

"Of course not, my pet. What is an old mother good for, but to humor her
child? Go you into the garden, Trixie, and no one shall fret or molest
you, I'll see to that."

Beatrice kissed her mother, and book in hand went to the rose-bower, a
secluded spot where no one could see her or take her unawares. Mrs.
Meadowsweet sat upright in her chair, took out her knitting-bag, and
proceeded to add a few stitches to Beatrice's quilt.

Presently there came a quick and somewhat nervous ring to the door-bell.
Mrs. Meadowsweet often said that there were rings and rings. This ring
made her give a little start, and took away the sleepiness which was
stealing over her.

The next moment Catherine Bertram entered the room. Her eyes were
glowing, and her face, usually rather pale, was effused with a fine
color. She looked eager and expectant.

Mrs. Meadowsweet stretched out her two hands to her, and gave her a few
warm words of welcome. The impulsive girl stooped down, and kissed the
old lady on the forehead.

"You're just the person I'm glad to see, my dear," said Mrs.
Meadowsweet. "You'll take your mother back her pills. Poor dear, she
must have thought I had forgotten all about her."

"I have come to see Beatrice," said Catherine. "It is important. Can I
see her?"

"Well, my love, Bee is not quite herself. She is worried about
something; I don't know what for it's my aim in life to make her lot
smooth as velvet. She's in the garden with a book, and I said she
shouldn't be disturbed. But you, my dear----"

"I must see Beatrice," repeated Catherine. "It's important. I've come
here on purpose."

"Well, my love, you and Bee are always great friends. You haven't a
worrying way with you. She's in the rose-arbor. You can find her, child.
You walk straight down that path, and then turn to your left."

Catherine did not wait another instant. She had the quick and graceful
motions of a young fawn, and when she reached Beatrice her eager face
was so full of light and excitement that the other girl sprang to her
feet, her unopened book tumbled to the floor, and in one moment the two
friends had their arms round each other.

They did not kiss. This was not the moment for outw