s is a matter
that concerns us alone, and I just could not be trifled with. There was
no reason why she should stay. Now, father, if I bother you in any way,
I will do so no more, but let you work undisturbed. Do I? Tell me truly.
Don't say what you think will please me, but the truth."

"The truth! the truth! and nothing but the truth," laughed he, his eyes
softening as he met the earnest gaze of his daughter. "Set your mind at
rest, Beatrice. You do not hinder me in the least, but on the contrary
help me no little. I was summing up all that you had done when you
turned upon me so suddenly. You are rather strenuous at times."

"I know that I am, father." Bee was so relieved that she was of use to
him that she spoke for once without reserve: "I wish I were sweet and
beautiful, and all that you wish. And, and I am trying to be lovable. It
is not always easy," she ended with a sigh.

"None of us find it so, my child. I have noticed your efforts, Beatrice,
with pleasure. Another thing: when I first came home, there was a
carelessness in your dress which you have corrected. Your cousin herself
is not more neat in her attire now than you are."

"Oh, father! have you noticed?" cried Bee so delightedly that his
features relaxed into a smile. "I did not think you did. And my temper!
It is so quick, but maybe in time I'll get so that I can control it. I
used not to be so quick tempered, but since you have returned I seem to
show all my bad qualities."

"That is scarcely complimentary to me, is it? I would better put you
under your aunt's keeping again, if my influence is so--"

"Oh, no, no!" cried Bee, distressed. "I did not mean it that way. It
isn't you at all, father. It is me. I can't help but feel ugly toward
anyone who tries to come between us."

"Why, child, no one is trying to come between us. There is no reason why
we should not become very dear friends as the years go by. I am already
depending upon you greatly, and nothing but a betrayal of trust could
change my feeling for you. Such a thing as that, however, I am convinced
is foreign to your nature."

"I will never betray even your slightest wish," cried the girl
earnestly. "You do like me a little, don't you?"

"Certainly I do. Are you satisfied now?"

"Yes;" replied Bee with eyes shining with happiness. "Dear me!" she
exclaimed, glancing at the clock. "I have not been much of a help this
morning. Just look at that time!"

"We won't mind it for the nonc