It arose from what was almost the first movement in the direction of genuine friendship Hesper had ever felt.

She had been familiar in her time with a good many, but familiarity is not friendship, and may or may not exist along with it.

Some, who would scorn the idea of a _friendship_ with such as Mary, will be familiar enough with maids as selfish as themselves, and part from them--no--part _with_ them, the next day, or the next hour, with never a twinge of regret.

Of this, Hesper was as capable as any; but friendship is its own justification, and she felt no horror at the new motion of her heart.

At the same time she did not recognize it as friendship, and, had she suspected Mary of regarding their possible relation in that light, she would have dismissed her pride, perhaps contempt.