ee that right now you help to make the world
purer--your sisters who would have the ballot are using this crying need
as their strongest argument--by avoiding in word or deed anything which
can dethrone you in the esteem of the other sex, whether young or
mature, for you can never know how far-reaching it will prove. You think
I am too sweeping in my assertion? That you never have and never could
do anything to invite criticism? Dear heart, not intentionally, I know,
but in the very fact that you are innocent of the influence which--say
such a gown as you are now wearing, for an illustration--may have, lies
the harm you do. If you fully understand you would sooner go to the hop
tonight gowned in sackcloth; of this I am certain."

For a moment Juno did not speak. This little human craft was battling
with conflicting currents and there seemed no pilot in sight. Then she
turned suddenly and placing her arms about Mrs. Harold, laid her head
upon the shoulder which had comforted so many and began to sob softly.

"My little girl! My dear, dear little girl, do not take it so deeply to
heart. I did not mean to wound you so cruelly. Forgive me, dear."

"You haven't wounded me. It isn't that. But I--I--don't seem to know
where I'm at. No one has ever spoken to me in this way. I'm often
scolded and lectured and stormed at, but no one cares enough to make me
understand. Please show me how. Please tell me. It seems like a glimpse
into a different world."

"First let me dry the tears I have been the cause of bringing to your
eyes--if my boys see traces of them I shall be brought to an account.
Then we will remedy what might have done harm."

As she spoke Mrs. Harold took a bit of absorbent cotton, soaked it in
rose water and bathed the lovely soft, brown eyes. Juno smiled up at
her, then nestled against her, again.

"My new little foster-daughter," said Mrs. Harold, kissing the velvety
cheeks.

"'It's beauty, truly blent, whose red and white,
Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on.'

Keep it so--it needs no aid--we shall learn to know each other better.
You will come again--yes, often--and where I can help, count upon
me--always? And now I'll play maid."

Ten minutes later when Juno entered the living-room, an exquisite bit of
Venetian lace filled in the V at the back of the bodice; the softest
white maline edged the front, and when, she raised her train a lace
petticoat which any girl would have pronounced "