DRAWING NEARER Lydia had a little rule of self-discipline which deserved to be, and was, its own reward.

If ever personal troubles began to worry her she diligently bent her thoughts upon someone for whose welfare she was anxious, and whom she might possibly aid.

The rule had to submit to an emphatic exception; the person to be thought of must be any one _save_ that particular one whose welfare she especially desired, and whom she might perchance have aided if she had made a great endeavour.

However, the rule itself had become established long before this exception was dreamt of.

Formerly she was wont to occupy her mind with Thyrza.