CHAPTER VI.
THE SECRET OF BEAUTY Mr.and Mrs.Wayland had become so attached to Madge that they were the more ready to listen to her solicitation that they should accompany her East and visit their old haunts.

"Very likely I shall return with you," said the young girl, "and make Santa Barbara my home." This indeed was her plan should defeat await her.

She had become attached to the seaside town, as we do to all places that witness the soul's deepest experiences and best achievements.

She had learned there to hope for the highest of earth's gifts; she believed that she could live there a serene, quiet, unselfish life, her secret still unknown, should that be her fate.
The old German professor was almost heartbroken at her departure.

"It vas alvays so," he said; "ven mine heart vas settled on someding, den I lose it;" but she reassured him by saying that there was no certainty that she would not return.
Mary Muir was so overwhelmed with astonishment that at first she scarcely returned Madge's warm embrace.