Twice, before Barbara's very eyes, she told lies, and told them, too, with a real mastery of the craft--long practice and a natural disposition had brought her very near perfection.

Barbara, her heart beating wildly, refused to understand; Mary could not be so.

She held Jane to her breast more tightly than before.

And the denials continued; twice a day now they were extorted from her--with every denial the ghost of her Friend stole more deeply into the mist.

He was gone; he was gone; and what was left?
Very soon, and with unexpected suddenness, the crisis came.
V Upon a day Barbara accompanied her mother to tea with Mrs.Adams.