“I had thought,” said Ralph, “that Miss Bannister went a good deal into society.”

“Oh, no,” answered Miss Panney; “she sometimes visits her relatives, who are society people; but in years and disposition she is too young for that sort of thing.  Society women and society men would simply bore her.  At heart she is a true country girl, and I think it was because Miriam had country tastes, and loved that sort of life, that Dora’s affections went out so quickly to her.  I wish your sister had the same feelings toward her.”

“Oh, Miriam likes her very much,” exclaimed Ralph, “and is always delighted to see her; but my little sister is wonderfully fond of staying at home.  I have told her over and over again that she ought to return Miss Bannister’s calls.”

“Make her do it,” said the old lady.  “It is her duty, and I assure you, it will be greatly to her advantage.  Miriam is a most lovely girl, but her character has not hardened itself into what it is going to be, and association with a thoroughbred girl, such as Dora Bannister, admirably educated, who has seen something of the world, with an intelligence and wit such as I have never known in any one of her age, and more than all with a soul as beautiful as her face, cannot fail to be an inestimable benefit to your sister.  What Miriam most needs, at this stage of her life, is proper companionship of her own age and sex.”

Ralph assented.  “But,” said he, “she is not without that, you know.  Miss Drane, who with her mother now lives with us, is a most—­”

Miss Panney’s face grew very hard.

“Excuse me,” she interrupted, “I know all about that.  Of course the Dranes are very estimable people, and there are many things, especially in the way of housekeeping, which Mrs. Drane could teach Miriam, if she chose to take the trouble.  But while I respect the daughter’s efforts to support herself and her mother, it must be admitted that she is a working-girl—­nothing more or less—­and must continue to be such.  Her present business, of course, can only last for a little while, and she will have to adopt some regular calling.  This life she expects, and is preparing herself for it.  But a mind such as hers is, or must speedily become, is not the one from which Miriam’s young mind should receive its impressions.  The two will move in very different spheres, and neither can be of any benefit to the other.  More than that I will not say; but I will say that your sister can never find any friend so eager to love her, and so willing to help and be helped by her in so many ways in which girls can help each other, as my dear Dora.  Now bestir yourself, Mr. Haverley, and make Miriam look at this thing as she ought to.  I don’t pretend to deny that I have spoken to you very much for Dora’s sake, for whom I have an almost motherly feeling; but you should act for your sister’s sake.  And please don’t forget what I have said, young man, and give Miriam my best love.”