“Why, sure,” replied the man, and he took her hand.  “A man needs a woman friend, don’t you think?”

“Yes,” replied Ethel, “and I hope to prove my friendship for you.”

Ethel never spoke of her proposal, nor did Harvey; but there was a firmer bond between them than formerly.

Patty wrote often.  “You never saw two people so in love as Papa and Kate.  It is wonderful and remarkably right.  I only feel sorry to think that through all of these years they might have been so happy, and I’m sure papa kept single for me.  How selfish daughters are, Ethel; and at the same time how little they realize that they are selfish.”

Ethel folded the letter and said: 

“What she writes is true.  You and Papa might have had all of the years of my youth to be happy in, but you sacrificed them for me, and they’ll never, never come back.”

“That’s all right,” said her mother, kissing her.  “My happiness since you entered college has compensated for it, believe me, my dear little girl,” and she kissed her tenderly.

CHAPTER XV

MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS

That winter Mrs. Hollister again had her teas and bridge parties, but there was no more worry about where the money was coming from; in fact, thanks to Mr. Casey’s generosity she was able to pay all of her bills and put some away for a rainy day.  Her little functions were delightful as usual, and the young people came in throngs to the house.

Ethel was happy in seeing her mother so contented, and in knowing that her father had no more worries.  Grandmother had grown younger, and better than all, after Christmas Tom was coming to bring Aunt Susan.  He had business East and he was to leave her for three weeks, after which he was to return for her.

Nora seemed less sad.  She had developed into a very stylish up-to-date young woman and everyone admired and liked her.

Mrs. Hollister was in her glory.  Things for her were now so comfortable and easy that she couldn’t believe but what it was a dream from which she might awaken and find everything the same old way.

Mrs. Bigelow made much of Nora, taking her around and introducing her to her friends.  Harvey called regularly and invited her twice a week to the theatre.  He was now a young surgeon in Roosevelt Hospital on the ambulance, with a fine career open before him, and what’s more he worked very hard—­often until late at night.  People prophesied a great future for Harvey and his parents were delighted, but none more so than Ethel, whose encouragement was genuine and like the encouragement of a sister.

Teddy Kip kept up a great correspondence with Patty, who sent him postals from every place.

“By George!” he said to the Hollisters, “do you know I correspond with three girls who are abroad and they never write letters—­only postals—­and if you believe it, I’ve got nearly a hamper filled with them—­’pon my word I have.  If only Miss Patty would write a fellow a real letter once in a while I’d be grateful.”