metimes our dreams are nearer
the truth than our mistaken waking notions."

"Oh, I wish this were a dream!" returned the girl devoutly; "for I've
offended Edna."

"How?"

"If I only knew! I've gone through every incident of my stay, and I
can't find a clue. I've been so careful about Mr. Dunham."

"About Mr. Dunham?"

"Yes; never to try even to attract his attention or behave as if I
expected him to notice me."

"I don't understand at all," said Thinkright. "Do you mean that he and
Edna care for each other?"

"Why, of course."

"But they haven't met often of late."

"I know; but of course she never could forget him, and they're so much
alike in all their ways and tastes"--

"Hold hard, little one. Edna Derwent has a court of admirers at home.
It isn't likely she has ever had time to think of Mr. Dunham."

"Oh, you know there couldn't be another like him," was Sylvia's quick
response, given so devoutly that her companion regarded her more
closely.

"I saw as soon as he came how things were, and would be; and I was
extra careful. I've really almost avoided him, and yet, I'm going to
tell you honestly, Thinkright, while he admires Edna so much, I seem to
amuse him, and he has taken more notice of me than I wish he would;
because of course all he thinks about me is that I'm a Western product,
and he is curious about my difference from them. I can't imagine how I
did it, but in some way I've offended Edna."

"How does she show it?"

"Just by a little coldness and difference in her manner; but it makes
all the difference to me; and I want to stay with you now!" She came
close to him and looked up into his face.

"There isn't a thing to do," he returned, "except to think right about
it. I suppose you've been remembering that?"

"Ye-es, some," answered Sylvia, with hesitation.

"That's Mr. Dunham coming along with the judge now, isn't it?" asked
Thinkright.

"Yes. Edna invited us yesterday to spend a week at the cottage, and we
planned to come over to-day to get our clothes; and then last night she
was cool to me, and this noon she was still more changed,--or else I
noticed it more,--and oh," added the girl hastily, "they're coming this
way. Tell them you want me to stay here, please do!"

"Does Edna expect you back?"

"Yes, but"--

"And you haven't attempted any explanation with her?"

"No, but"--

Thinkright patted the arm near him.

"Can't have my little girl show the white feather like that