It was an informal "At Home" which Mrs.Harrison was giving in honour of her young charge.

Soon the rooms were crowded with people, and Virginia, slim, elegant, perfectly gowned, looking like a picture, with her pale oval face and wonderful dark grey eyes, was the centre of a good deal of attention.

And in the midst of it all a girl, whom as yet she had not noticed, touched her on the arm and drew her a little away.

She started with surprise when she saw that it was Stella.
"Come, my dear cousin," Stella said, "I want to have a little talk with you.

Won't you sit down with me here?
I am sure you have been doing your duty admirably." Virginia was a little shy.