rtwell would have thrown her arms about her
and clasped her in a passion of tears to her heart, but something
stronger than a visible barrier held her off, and she felt that she
could never get as near to this beloved friend as of old. The interview
was tender though reserved, neither making any reference to the sad
event that was never a moment absent from their thoughts.

After this Mrs. Birtwell came often, and a measure of the old feeling
returned to Mrs. Voss. Still, the card of Mrs. Birtwell whenever it was
placed in her hand by a servant never failed to bring a shadow and
sometimes a chill to her heart.

In a few moments Mrs. Birtwell entered the room; and after the usual
greetings and some passing remarks, Mrs. Voss said, speaking to the
lady with whom she had been conversing:

"What were you going to say--about some sorrowful story, I mean?"

The pleasant light which had come into the lady's face on meeting Mrs.
Birtwell, faded out. She did not answer immediately, and showed some
signs of embarrassment. But Mrs. Voss, not particularly noticing this,
pressed her for the story. After a slight pause she said:

"In visiting a friend yesterday I observed a young girl whom I had
never seen at the house before. She was about fifteen or sixteen years
of age, and had a face of great refinement and much beauty. But I
noticed that it had a sad, shy expression. My friend did not introduce
her, but said, turning to the girl a few moments after I came in:

"'Go up to the nursery, Ethel, and wait until I am disengaged!'

"As the girl left the room I asked, 'Who is that young lady?' remarking
at the same time that there was something peculiarly interesting about
her.

"'It's a sad case, remarked my friend, her voice falling to a tone of
regret and sympathy. 'And I wish I knew just what to do about it.'

"'Who is the young girl?' I asked repeating my question.

"'The daughter of a Mr. Ridley,' she replied."

Mrs. Birtwell gave a little start, while an expression of pain crossed
her face. The lady did not look at her, but she felt the change her
mention of Mr. Ridley had produced.

"'What of him?' I asked; not having heard the name before.

"'Oh, I thought you knew about him. He's a lawyer, formerly a member of
Congress, and a man of brilliant talents. He distinguished himself at
Washington, and for a time attracted much attention there for his
ability as well as for his fine personal qualities. But unhappily he
b