Aunt
Isabel appear a little harsh. She knows the world, and you do not, and,
you know, a young and lovely girl, living without natural protectors, as
you are, cannot be too careful.'

'Oh, that is just how they talk,' she cried petulantly, 'but it does not
convey any meaning to me. Why should I not be kind to this poor girl?
She can't eat me, or hurt me in the smallest degree. You must make it a
great deal plainer to me before I see the smallest particle of reason in
it.'

Here was a dilemma! The very irony of fate could not have devised a more
trying and awkward position for any man. To say he felt himself on the
brink of a volcano conveys but a faint idea of his peculiar state of
mind.

'My own darling, it is extremely difficult to make it any clearer
without giving offence, but I think you ought to have some idea of what
is fitting. Can you not believe that we, who love you so dearly, would
advise you to do nothing but what is right and best for you?'

This admirable plea, so earnestly and persuasively uttered, somewhat
touched Gladys, though her face still wore a perplexed and even troubled
look.

'Well, but how can it do me any harm to have these girls at Bourhill? Is
it because they are poor that I must not have them?'

'Well, not exactly; though, of course, it is not customary for young
ladies like you to invite such people to be your guests just in the same
way as you would invite Clara or Mina; and I question very much, dear,
if it is any real kindness to them, it is so apt to make them
discontented with their own sphere.'

This was another clever stroke, this view of the case not having been as
yet presented to Gladys. Hitherto the talk had all been of the influence
such companionship was likely to have on her, and the new phase of the
situation made her more thoughtful still.

'I never thought of that,' she said slowly, 'and I don't think it had
that effect on Christina Balfour--in fact, I am sure of it. She is like
a different creature, so much brighter and happier; and I am sure a week
or two at Bourhill will do wonders for poor Lizzie Hepburn. If you saw
her you would be quite sorry for her. She is such an interesting girl,
so beautiful, and she has a great deal of character, quite different
from Christina. I have asked them down, and of course I can't retract my
invitations; they may have gone down to Miss Peck already, for aught I
know. Promise to come down to Bourhill and see poor Lizzie, the