"That's exactly
what it is; she has lived with people all of her life who have no
conception of morals, or manners, or training, and she simply acts like
a sort of mental savage."

"But there were the Brubakers--her father worked for Mr. Brubaker. Don't
you suppose----?"

"No; I don't suppose she ever saw anything of them. She is used to
wandering about just as she pleases. Whatever education she has acquired
was probably beaten into her by some rough, country schoolmaster."

Marjorie sighed hopelessly.

Mrs. Johnson read her thoughts. "But it isn't hopeless, my dear," she
added softly. "Frieda is a human being, with a soul. And she is young,
too. If we can keep her here, away from her parents' bad influence, we
may yet be able to civilize her. Don't give up yet!"

Marjorie was unconsciously encouraged by these words. But she wanted
more definite details of the girl's behavior.

"I sent her supper to her last night," said Mrs. Johnson, "by Annie, the
girl who comes in to help me cook and wash dishes. She said that Frieda
opened the door and snarled at her something which she could not
understand, except the word 'servant,' and snatched the food and slammed
the door in her face.

"She did not appear at breakfast, but I heard her go out for a walk;
and when she came back, I was home from church and had dinner on the
table. I asked her to come in, and she followed me to the dining-room.

"When I introduced her to father and mother, and Mr. Johnson, she paid
not the slightest attention. Her manners at the table were terrible; she
evidently knew nothing about the use of a knife and fork. She ate
greedily, as if she were very hungry. And, by the way, I think the girl
is decidedly undernourished.

"Immediately after dinner she went to her room again. Now, if you want
to go up and see her, you can do as you like. You know the facts."

Marjorie jumped to her feet.

"Oh, I will go!" she cried impulsively. "There must be some good in
her."

"Yes," agreed Mrs. Johnson, "or else she would not have consented to
come here."

Marjorie lowered her eyelids. She was thinking of that remark of Ruth's:
that Frieda had only seized the opportunity as another chance to steal
something. But she resolutely suppressed the idea; she did not want to
antagonize Mrs. Johnson to any greater extent against the girl.

Up the steps she ran, two at a time, so that she might not have time to
lose courage and change her mind. She knocked a