vie who
mysteriously wept. But all of these Sylvies showed an impetuous, new
tenderness toward Bella.

"I've been all wrong about you, Bella," she confessed. "I know you're
not really old and ugly and cross at all. Let me touch your face."
Bella, awkward and flushed, had no choice but to submit to the flick of
the light, young fingers. "I'm learning the touch of the blind," Sylvie
boasted. "Now, listen--isn't this right? You have thick, straight
eyebrows and deep-set eyes; are they blue or brown, Bella, or bright
gray?"

"They're gray," said Pete.

Hugh was watching from eyes sunk in a nervous, pallid face. He had come
in from his traps in the midst of Sylvie's experiment.

"And she has a nice, straight, strong, short nose, and a mouth that she
holds too tight. Loosen your mouth, Bella; it might be very sweet if
you gave it a chance. And she has a sharp chin--not pretty, your
chin, but--look! If you'd soften your hair, pull it over your ears and
forehead--Why do you brush it back that way? It _must_ be unbecoming.
And, Bella, it's curly, or would be with a little freedom. What color is
your hair?"

"Gray--like my eyes," said Bella, scarlet now, and trying to draw
herself away.

"Is it really gray, Pete? Tell me the truth, if you can."

"Her hair is a very light brown," said Pete, flushed as scarlet now as
Bella; "sort of a grayish brown; you wouldn't notice any gray hairs,
hardly."

"Bella, I'm sure you don't look a day older than thirty-five. Your skin
feels smooth and young. Why do you let Hugh call you an old woman? Poor
Bella, I'm afraid you've spoiled those two boys?"

Sylvie turned suddenly and imperiously upon the men, and Bella made
her escape, not from the room, for she was too stirred, too full of an
excited suspense, to bring herself to leave. From a far corner, near the
window through which came the soft May wind, she watched them.

"Now, Pete," said Sylvie, "it's your turn. If I'm to learn the touch of
the blind, I must have practice. What can I make of you! Come here. Why
don't you come?" She stamped her foot. "My, but you are badly trained.
Really, Hugh, you ought to discipline him. Wait until I am your
sister-in-law."

Hugh started angrily. "Don't joke about that!" he threatened in a harsh,
sudden voice.

She turned toward him with quickness and bent her head sidelong as
though listening intently for what else he might have to say. Her lips
were set close and narrow. She had listened to