d. But I am afraid it will be you and Miss
Frost alone, for nothing would induce Irene to set foot inside that
place. She has always refused, notwithstanding every effort of our dear
clergyman to invite her to visit them. I have asked the children here,
for they are nice children; but they are too much afraid of her to come.
I do not think you will find the visit a success, even if you do induce
Irene to accompany you."

"But I think I shall," said Rosamund calmly. "You know," she added,
"Irene is not what she was."

"Indeed she is not. She is very different. I am beginning at last to
enjoy my life and to appreciate her society. How beautiful she is, and
how you have brought out her beauty!"

"Her beauty was given her by God," said Rosamund. "But, of course, now
that she is learning, and becoming intelligent, and thinking good
thoughts instead of bad thoughts, all these things must be reflected on
her face. I want her to have other friends besides me, for I cannot
always be with her, and I cannot tell you what a splendid girl I think
Maud Singleton is."

"But then there is poor Miss Carter. Irene nearly killed her."

"Miss Carter is quite well and happy at the Singletons', and they just
adore her, and Irene ought to apologize to her. I mean to make her when
I get the chance. Perhaps not to-day. Anyhow, may we go?"

"You certainly may, and I wish you all success."

Rosamund danced away, and ran down the winding path to the edge of the
lake.

"Irene, I want you to come in," she said. "I want to speak to you."

Irene rowed lazily back to the shore. She still sat in her boat and
looked up at Rosamund.

"Will you get in?" she said. "There is a little breeze on the water;
there is none on the land. What are you looking so solemn about?"

"I am not solemn at all. I want us to have fun this afternoon. It is
rather dull here, just two girls all by themselves. I don't think that I
can stay with you much longer unless you allow me to have other
friends."

"Good gracious!" said Irene. "Perhaps I'd better get out. You look so
very solemn."

"No, I'm not solemn exactly; but I want to have other friends. Will you
get out, and may I talk to you?"

Irene jumped with alacrity out of the boat, and Rosamund helped her to
moor it.

"Now, what is it?" said Irene.

"Well, Irene, it is just this: I want to go and see the Singletons this
afternoon, and your mother says we may have the governess-cart, and if
they ask us to