There were times when she almost liked him, but it was the kind of liking one gave to an inferior, not to an equal.

She admitted his charm, but it was the charm of an irresponsible creature--the capricious attraction of a child or an animal.

Her common sense, she told herself, would keep her from making a mistake such as Jane had made with her life; and, besides, she was utterly devoid of the missionary instinct which had lured Jane to destruction.

"If I ever marry, it will be different from that," she thought passionately.

"It will be utterly different!" The door of Mrs.Carr's room opened suddenly, Marthy's name was called in a high voice, and the doctor was heard saying reassuringly: "She is over the worst.