h a thing. Beverly calls you a
perfect trump, and he wouldn't say that about any one he considered
middle-aged; it wouldn't be respectful."

"I am very much obliged to Beverly for his good opinion," said Miss
Jessie, laughing and blushing in such a very girlish manner that her
niece regarded her in growing astonishment.

"I believe it's the thought of being well and strong again that has made
all the difference," she said. "Oh, Aunt Jessie darling, think of it,
you'll never have to sit in that dreadful wheeled-chair again! What
walks and rides we'll have together. Are you sure Dr. Randolph will let
you go back to the ranch in June?"

"He says I shall be quite strong enough for the journey by that time,"
Miss Graham answered, but she did not meet Marjorie's direct gaze as she
spoke. "I feel that I ought not to trespass on the Randolphs'
hospitality any longer than is necessary. Think of what they have done
for me, Marjorie. First all those weeks at the hospital, and then
insisting on my coming here, and all of it just because we were kind to
Undine."

"I don't think that is the only reason," said Marjorie, eagerly. "That
was the beginning of it, of course, but now they all love you for
yourself. Babs says her mother loves you dearly, and she and Beverly
were both so pleased because you said they might call you 'Aunt Jessie.'
As for the doctor, I'm sure he likes you ever so much."

"There's some one at the door; go and see who it is, Marjorie."

Marjorie rose obediently, wondering what could have possibly caused her
aunt's sudden embarrassment, and when she returned she was followed by
Barbara, who had also dropped in for a little chat, Miss Jessie's room
being a favorite rendezvous with all the young people.

"Well, and what have you been doing this afternoon?" Miss Graham asked
pleasantly, as Barbara settled herself for a comfortable half-hour.

"I went for a walk with Elsie and Hortense. We had a nice time, but I
don't think Elsie felt very well, she was so quiet. I asked her if her
head ached, and she said no, but I'm afraid it did."

"I don't think Elsie has seemed quite like herself for several days,"
said Miss Jessie, a little anxiously. "Perhaps she is studying too hard;
her mother tells me she is so very ambitious."

Neither of the girls had any explanation to suggest, and they all
chatted on pleasantly on various subjects until it was time to go away
and dress for dinner. Barbara was also going to the