the school. Since the afternoon
when Mabel had confided to Phoebe and Dora the story of the rescue,
the whole class had waxed enthusiastic. Though nobody openly mentioned
the subject, she could feel a marked difference in the general attitude
towards her; she was no longer only Mabel's friend, but somebody on her
own account. That this new esteem was not truly her due caused her an
occasional pang, but she would put the thought hurriedly away, consoling
herself by reflecting that the girls were beginning to discover her good
qualities, and to appreciate her as she deserved.

Her intimacy with Mabel increased daily. The latter seemed hardly able
to make enough of her. The two were always together, and Mabel, who
possessed many luxuries that do not usually fall to the lot of the
average schoolgirl, was ready to share everything with her room-mate.
Aldred found it decidedly pleasant to be, not only encouraged, but
actually begged to help herself to an unlimited quantity of the most
delicious scent, to use dainty notepaper, or a delicate pair of
scissors; to be lent a most superior tennis racket, and allowed to
borrow any of the delightful volumes that filled the bookcase in the
bedroom. To do her justice, she was really grateful for all this
kindness, and absolutely adored Mabel. Had she loved her less, she
might, perhaps, have been more willing to hazard the loss of her
affection; but the thought of the blank which such a calamity would
entail made her keep silence, in spite of the reproachful accusations of
her better self.

"It's such a delight to me to have found a real friend!" said Mabel one
day. "I've told Mother about you, and she wrote that she was so glad. I
think I must read you a little scrap of her letter. She says: 'Your
description of Aldred Laurence pleased me very much--she seems just the
kind of high-minded girl with whom I should wish you to be associated;
and though I stipulated for you to have a bedroom to yourself, I do not
object to your sharing it with her, if you like. Our friends naturally
exercise a great influence over our characters, so I am glad you have
made such a good choice. I am sure that, knowing our home standards, I
can rely upon your judgment, and that you would not allow yourself to be
intimate with anyone who is not thoroughly worthy of your confidence.'
You needn't turn so red!" continued Mabel, who misunderstood the cause
of Aldred's blushes. "Of course, Mother is extremely parti