rn little thing and
once you take a notion into your brain nobody can take it out. 'Where
are you going, my pretty maid? I'm going a studying, sir, she said;'"
and tossing an airy kiss in Dorothy's direction, ran swiftly away.

Yet events proved that, as Winifred had argued, Dorothy's opinion did
not alter. Neither could she be sorry for anyone without trying to
help them in some way.

The simple country treat of nuts, popped corn, and cider had proved
enjoyable to other schoolmates--why shouldn't it to Gwendolyn? She'd
try it, anyway. So, unnoticed by those around her, Dolly heaped her
own plate with the good things, placing a tumbler of cider in the
middle and hurried away, or rather glided away, so gently she moved
until she reached the doorway. There she ran as swiftly down the long
hall toward the west wing and Gwendolyn's room in it.

Tapping at the door Lady Jane soon opened it, but with finger on lip
requesting silence. But she smiled as she recognized who stood there
and at the plate of goodies Dorothy had brought. Then she gently drew
her in, nodding toward the cot where her daughter seemed asleep.

She was not, however, but had been lying still, thinking of many
things and among them her present visitor. She was not surprised to
see her and this time was not pained. It seemed to the imaginative
invalid that her own thoughts had compelled Dorothy to come, in
response to them.

"I'm awake, Mamma. You needn't keep so quiet."

"Are you, dearest? Well, that's good; for here has come our little
maid with something tempting for your appetite. A share of the
Hallowe'en treat, is it, Dorothy?"

"Yes, Lady Jane, and it's something different from what we often have.
The farmer, Mr. Gilpin, brought it for us girls and I couldn't bear--I
mean I thought Gwendolyn should have--might like, her share, even
if--if _I_ brought it. I'm sorry the plate is a cracked one, but you
see there were so many needed and the maids brought what they could
find handiest, I suppose. But--the glass of cider is all right. That's
from the regular table and--and it's really very sweet and nice."

Now that she had come poor Dorothy wished that she hadn't. Lady Jane
seemed pleased enough and had promptly turned on a stronger light
which clearly showed the face of the girl on the bed. She could talk
readily enough to the mother but whenever she glanced toward Gwendolyn
her tongue faltered and hesitated woefully. It seemed as if the sick
gi