Oh, Mrs.Page had known all along what it meant! She had understood from the beginning; and she had tried, without hurting her, to make her see the blind folly of such an infatuation.

As she thought of this to-day, Patty's heart ached with injured pride and resentment, not only against Stephen, but against the unfairness of life.

Why was it that men and circumstances would never let one be natural and generous?
Was there a conspiracy of events, as Mrs.Page had once said, to prevent the finest impulses from coming to flower?
"I'd have done anything on earth for him," thought the girl with passionate indignation.

"I'd have made any sacrifice.

I could have been anything that he wanted." And she felt bitterly that the best in her soul, the sacred places of her life had been invaded and destroyed.