“‘Not necessary!’” cried the girl, her big eyes shining.  “Not necessary?  Then what on earth is the thing doing here?  I just have boasted that I would change, that I would be like her, that I would grow bigger and broader.  As the words are spoken God gives me the opportunity to prove whether I am sincere.  This is my test, Hart!  Don’t you see it?  If I am big enough to carry that to her, you will believe that there is some good in me.  You will not be loving me in vain.  This is an especial Providence, man!  Be my strength!  Help me, as you always have done!”

Henderson arose and shook the leaves from his clothing.  He drew Edith Carr to her feet and carefully picked the mosses from her skirts.  He went to the water and moistened his handkerchief to bathe her face.

“Now a dust of powder,” he said when the tears were washed away.

From a tiny book Edith tore leaves that she passed over her face.

“All gone!” cried Henderson, critically studying her.  “You look almost half as lovely as you really are!”

Edith Carr drew a wavering breath.  She stretched one hand to him.

“Hold tight, Hart!” she said.  “I know they handle these things, but I would quite as soon touch a snake.”

Henderson clenched his teeth and held steadily.  The moth had emerged too recently to be troublesome.  It climbed on her fingers quietly and obligingly clung there without moving.  So hand in hand they went down the dark forest path.  When they came to the avenue, the first person they met paused with an ejaculation of wonder.  The next stopped also, and every one following.  They could make little progress on account of marvelling, interested people.  A strange excitement took possession of Edith.  She began to feel proud of the moth.

“Do you know,” she said to Henderson, “this is growing easier every step.  Its clinging is not disagreeable as I thought it would be.  I feel as if I were saving it, protecting it.  I am proud that we are taking it to be put into a collection or a book.  It seems like doing a thing worth while.  Oh, Hart, I wish we could work together at something for which people would care as they seem to for this.  Hear what they say!  See them lift their little children to look at it!”

“Edith, if you don’t stop,” said Henderson, “I will take you in my arms here on the avenue.  You are adorable!”

“Don’t you dare!” laughed Edith Carr.  The colour rushed to her cheeks and a new light leaped in her eyes.

“Oh, Hart!” she cried.  “Let’s work!  Let’s do something!  That’s the way she makes people love her so.  There’s the place, and thank goodness, there is a crowd.”

“You darling!” whispered Henderson as they passed up the walk.  Her face was rose-flushed with excitement and her eyes shone.

“Hello, everyone!” she cried as she came on the wide veranda.  “Only see what we found up in the forest!  We thought you might like to have it for some of your collections.”