her since the evening
of the Initiation, and in spite of herself, Marjorie felt her cheeks
growing hot as she asked the visitor to come in. But Beverly had no
intention of referring to unpleasant bygones.

"I'm so glad to find you at home," he said, with his pleasant smile and
in the voice that always put people at their ease. "My mother sent me to
ask if you would come and sit with her for a while this afternoon,
provided you have nothing more important to do. She is laid up with a
cold, and is feeling rather blue and forlorn."

"I should love to come," said Marjorie, her face brightening at the
prospect. "I was afraid your mother might not be well when I didn't see
her at luncheon. I hope she isn't really ill."

"Oh, no; nothing but a disagreeable cold, that has kept her in the house
for the past two days. I'm glad you can come, for I'm sure it will cheer
her up."

"All right," said Marjorie; "I'll come in just a minute. I must leave a
note for Aunt Julia in case she should get home before I do."

Marjorie found Mrs. Randolph sitting in an arm-chair by the fire,
looking rather pale and tired, but her greeting to the girl was just as
kind and cheerful as usual, and Marjorie hoped that it was only in her
imagination that she saw that sad, wistful expression in her kind
friend's eyes.

"Now sit down and tell me about all you have been doing," said Mrs.
Randolph, when the first greetings had been exchanged. "I love to hear
about the things girls are interested in. My little Barbara used to tell
me of all her good times as well as her troubles. I am so glad you have
brought your work--what are you making?"

"A shawl for my aunt's Christmas present; one of the girls at school
taught me the stitch, and I think it's going to be very pretty. I shall
have to work hard, though, to finish it in time. Do you like the color?"

"Very much," said Mrs. Randolph. "I suppose this will be your first
Christmas away from home?"

A shadow crossed Marjorie's bright face. "I try not to think of it," she
said. "It's going to be pretty hard, but every one has been so kind, and
Uncle Henry and Aunt Julia are doing so much for me, that it wouldn't be
right to be unhappy. I think perhaps if I keep very busy I shall manage
to get on all right. Aunt Jessie says that's a good way of making the
best of things that can't be helped."

Mrs. Randolph said nothing, but the look she gave Marjorie was such an
understanding one that the girl's hea