not spoken with more caution the day
before.

"I do wish you would," said Mrs. Hilbrough. Just then the driver sent
the horses into a swift trot on a down grade, and the conversation was
broken off. When talk began again it was on commonplace themes, and
therefore less strenuous. Mrs. Frankland was glad to get away from an
affair that put her into an attitude of apology.

Phillida had passed the day miserably. She had tried to bolster herself
with the consciousness of having acted from the sincerest motives, and
from having done only what was right. But consciousness of rectitude,
whatever the moralists may say, is an inadequate balm for a heart that
is breaking. Phillida had not dared to enter the parlor to gather up
the little presents that Millard had given her and dispatch them to him
until after supper, when she made them all into a bundle and sent them
away. The messenger boy had hardly left the door when Mrs. Frankland
rang. Her husband had accompanied her, and she dismissed him at the
steps with instructions to call for her in about an hour.

Phillida was glad to see Mrs. Frankland. A cruel doubt had been knocking
at her door the livelong day. It had demanded over and over whether her
tremendous sacrifice was necessary after all. She had succeeded
indifferently well in barring out this painful skepticism by two
considerations. The one was, that Millard, who had almost asked to be
released, would hereafter be saved from mortification on her account.
The other was, that Mrs. Frankland's authority was all on the side of
the surrender she had made. And now here was Mrs. Frankland, sent like a
messenger to confirm her faith and to console her in her sorrow.

"You are looking troubled," said Mrs. Frankland, kissing her now on this
cheek and now on the other. "Dear child, if I could only bring you some
comfort!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Frankland," said Phillida; "I am so glad that you have
come. I have wished for you all day."

"Maybe I am sent to console you. Who knows? Perhaps, after all, things
may turn out better than you think." This was said in a full round voice
and an under manifestation of buoyant hopefulness and self-reliance
characteristic of Mrs. Frankland; but Phillida shook her head
despondently.

"Since I saw you I have heard a good deal about your Mr. Millard; I get
the most favorable accounts of him; they say he is good, and every way a
worthy, liberal, and charming man."

Phillida sat up straight