CHAPTER VI.
Mrs.Maynard slowly went upstairs and along the hall to her daughter's room.

Margaret sat listlessly by a window.

The girls had gone.
"You were going for a long walk," said Mrs.Maynard.
"I'm tired," replied Margaret.

There was a shadow in her eyes.
The mother had never understood her daughter.

And of late a subtle change in Margaret had made her more of a puzzle.
"Margaret, I want to talk seriously with you," she began.
"Well ?" "Didn't I tell you I wanted you to break off your--your friendship with Holt Dalrymple ?" "Yes," replied Margaret, with a flush.