es asked the
question her lips refused to form, and Mrs. Randolph bent and kissed
her.

"Marjorie dear," she said in a voice that was not quite steady, though
she was smiling, "your mother wanted me to tell you that the operation
is over, and that Dr. Randolph feels almost certain it has been
successful."

CHAPTER XXV

ELSIE REDEEMS HERSELF

"DO you know, Aunt Jessie, that to-morrow will be the first of May? It's
nearly four months since you and Mother came to New York."

Miss Graham was leaning back in a comfortable arm-chair by an open
window, through which the bright spring sunshine was pouring, flooding
every corner of the pleasant hotel bedroom. She was still looking rather
frail and delicate, but there was an expression of hope and joy in her
face, that had never been there in the old days at the ranch. A crutch
stood at her side, but there was no wheeled-chair to be seen. At
Marjorie's words she looked round with a smile.

"Time has certainly flown," she said. "Have you had a pleasant ride?"

"It was glorious. Beverly and I had a splendid gallop. I hope you
enjoyed your drive."

"Yes, it was lovely," said Miss Jessie, secretly thinking that Marjorie
had grown very pretty lately. She looked so well in her perfectly
fitting riding habit, with her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. "I
wasn't at all tired when I came home either, which Dr. Randolph
considers a distinct gain. He says I am one of his star patients. Have
you finished your lessons for to-morrow?"

"Haven't any; it's Saturday, you know. I shall have plenty of time to
study between now and Monday. I came to have a little chat with you
before I dress. I'm going out this evening, you remember. It's the last
meeting of the Club, and quite an important occasion. The Bells are
sailing for Europe to-morrow, and Lulu is our president."

"I thought you wrote me that Elsie was elected president," said Miss
Graham, who seldom forgot anything Marjorie told her.

"She was at first," said Marjorie, hoping her aunt would not notice her
suddenly heightened color. She drew a low chair to Miss Jessie's side,
and settled herself for a comfortable chat.

"Why did she give it up?" Miss Graham inquired, with interest.

"I--I don't exactly know. It was after I came back from Virginia and
Barbara came home. She said she would rather not be president any more,
and asked Lulu to take her place."

"I like Elsie," said Miss Jessie. "She is very clever, and has