red her to me, as
Phillida's friend, and she called here yesterday in a flutter of
hysterical importance to get me to apologize, and to ask me what she
_could_ do."

Millard was almost amused at this turn in the affair, but his smile had
a tang of bitterness.

"She explained that she had not understood that Miss Callender was that
kind of person," said Mrs. Hilbrough. "She had always supposed that
ministers and missionaries and their families expected presents. When
she was a little girl her father used to send a whole hog to each
minister in the village every fall when he killed his pigs. But it
seemed Miss Callender and her mother held themselves above presents.
Were they 'people of wealth'? That is her favorite phrase. I told her
that they were one of the best old families in the city, without much
property but with a great deal of pride, and that they were very
admirable people. 'You know, these very old and famous families hold
themselves rather above the rest of us, no matter how rich we may get to
be,' I said, maliciously.

"This seemed almost to subdue her. She said that she supposed people
would expect her to do something at such a time. It was always expected
that 'people of wealth' should show themselves grateful. What could she
do that would not offend such touchy people?

"I suggested that Hilda should buy some article, not too expensive, for
a love token for Miss Callender. 'Treat her as you would if she were
Mrs. Van Horne's daughter,' I said, 'and she will be content.' 'I don't
want to seem mean,' she replied, 'and I didn't think so pious a girl
would carry her head so high. Now, Mrs. Hilbrough, do you think a
Christian girl like Miss Callender ought to be so proud?' 'Would you
like to take money for a friendly service?' I asked. 'Oh, no! But then
I--you see, my circumstances are different; however, I will do just what
you say.' I warned her when she left that the present must not be too
costly, and that Hilda ought to take it in person. She was still a
little puzzled. 'I didn't suppose people in their circumstances would
feel that way,' she said in a half-subdued voice, 'but I'll do just as
you say, Mrs. Hilbrough.'"

This action of Phillida's was a solace to Millard's pride. But one grain
of sugar will not perceptibly sweeten the bitterness of a decoction of
gentian, and this overflow into uptown circles of Phillida's reputation
as a faith-doctor made the matter extremely humiliating.

When Mrs