"I would rather have you for a friend than anybody in the world," she responded in a voice so caressing that Stephen would not have believed it belonged to her.
"I am sure that I can be useful to you," said Corinna, for the gratitude in the girl's voice touched and embarrassed her, "and I know that you can be to me.

How would you like to come every morning and help me for an hour or two in my shop?
There isn't anything to do, but we may get to know each other better." After all, she might as well show a fighting spirit and see the adventure through to the end.
Patty's eyes shone, but all she said was, "Oh, I'd love to! It is so beautiful here." "Do you like it ?" asked Corinna, and wondered how much the girl really saw.

Did she have the eyes and the soul to see and feel beauty?
"I have some good things at home.

You must come out there." "If you'll only let me sit and watch you!" exclaimed Patty fervently.
"As long as you like." A smile crossed Corinna's lips, as she imagined those large bright eyes, like stars in a spring twilight, shining on her hour after hour.

How could she possibly endure their unfaltering candour?
How could she adjust her life to their adoring regard?
"How long has your mother been dead, Patty ?" she asked suddenly.