beginning, and her nature was such that now it seemed to her almost
impossible to change her policy and adopt any other line of conduct. She
sometimes rebelled against the rivalry which, she considered, stood
between them and any possibility of friendship, but was still firm in
her belief, that it was a difficulty which could not be bridged, and the
subject had not hitherto been considered by Minnie at all; she simply
accepted it, as she did most other things, as it stood, and it had not
yet occurred to her that it could or should be changed.

One afternoon, Minnie stood at the outer door of the schoolroom
waiting on Mabel coming down stairs from the music-room. There were
perhaps a dozen girls inside, but she stood just where they could not
observe her--at least, with the exception of Mona Cameron--who seemed
much too intent upon her work to notice anything. At last, however, she
appeared to have got over the part which demanded such urgent attention,
and began to talk.

"I say, girls!" She said in an animated tone, which instantly secured
the attention of every one present, at the same time moving nearer the
window for the purpose, as it seemed, of obtaining better light. "Have
you heard the news?"

"What news?" eagerly exclaimed a dozen voices.

"Why, that Minnie Kimberly has turned Methodist."

Minnie started, scarce knowing whether to leave immediately or return
and proclaim her presence.

"What?" cried the girls, not quite understanding what Mona meant to
convey by that appellation.

"Methodist," repeated Mona, quite enjoying their mystification. "One of
those people who profess to go about continually doing good with tracts
in their pocket--though it's my private opinion they usually contrive to
do the very opposite. That's the sort of thing Minnie's going in for
just now, though I really think she is a little ashamed of it, she keeps
it so well hidden. You see my penetration was not at fault--I said it
was revival meetings or something of that sort."

Minnie turned, and with a firm step and fast beating heart walked back
into the schoolroom.

Mona did not seem to notice her but went on.

"Yes, isn't it fun! Quite a romance I'm sure! A sort of juvenile Mrs.
Fry or some person of that stamp, converting the heathen down in
Hollowmell."

"O, hush!" whispered some one, as Minnie walked straight into their
midst, her eyes flashing, but her cheeks pale as marble.

"I do not know what you may mean to ins