’Did you ever have a great faith in any one who after a time disappointed you?’ she asked suddenly.

’No, I don’t think so.  I am not naturally trusting, Gladys.  I have to be very sure before I put absolute faith in any one.’

’I cannot believe that of you, Clara.  How kind you have been to me, an utter stranger!  You have treated me like a sister since the first happy day I entered the house.’

’Oh, that is different.  You know very well, you little fraud, that your very eyes disarm suspicion, as somebody says.  You are making conquests everywhere.  But now we are away from the point. What is vexing you?  Shall I make a guess?’

‘Oh, if you like,’ answered Gladys, with interest.

’Well, you are thinking of past days.  You have not forgotten the companions of the old life, and it is grieving you, because it would appear that they have forgotten you.’

‘He might have come, only once,’ cried Gladys rebelliously, not for a moment seeking to deny or admit in words the truth of Clara’s words.  ’We were a great deal to each other.  It is hard to be forgotten so soon.’

‘Gladys dear, listen to me.’

Clara’s voice became quite grave, and she folded her hands impressively above her companion’s.

’You must not be angry at what I am going to say, because it is true.  Has it not occurred to you that this young man, in thus keeping a distance from you, shows himself wiser than you?’

‘How?’ asked Gladys coldly.  ’It can never be wise to wound the feelings of another.’

’My dear, though your simplicity is the loveliest thing about you, it is awfully difficult to deal with,’ said Clara perplexedly.  ’You must know, must admit, Gladys, that everything is changed, and that while you might be quite courteous, and even friendly after a fashion, with this Mr. Hepburn, anything more is quite out of the question.  He must move in his own sphere, you in yours.  People are happier in their own sphere.  To try and lift them out of it is always a mistake, and ends in disaster and defeat.  Would you have liked mamma to invite him here?’

‘He would not come,’ said Gladys proudly.  ’He would never come.  He said so again and again.’

‘Then it seems to me that it is you who are lacking in proper pride,’ said Clara calmly.

‘What is proper pride?’

Gladys smiled with the faintest touch of scorn as she asked the question.

’You know what it is just as well as I can tell you, only it pleases you to be perverse this morning,’ said Clara good-humouredly, ’and I am not going to say any more.’

’Yes you are.  I want to understand this thing.  Is it imperative that the mere fact that my uncle has left me money and a house should make me a different person altogether?’

’It affects your position, not necessarily you.  Don’t be silly and aggravating, Gladys, or I must shake you,’ said Clara, with the frank candour of a privileged friend.  ’And really I cannot understand why you should be anxious to keep in touch with that old life, which was so awfully mean and miserable.’