CHAPTER XXVIII.
RIVALS.
A couple of days after this Beatrice Meadowsweet received a note from Mrs.Bell, asking her to call to see her.

The note came early in the morning, and immediately after breakfast Beatrice went to the Bells' house.
Mrs.Bell took her into the drawing-room and shut the door behind them both.
"Beatrice," she said, "I owed you a grudge, but that is past.

You stepped in, where you had no right to step, and for a time, I won't deny it, my heart was very sore.

I haven't sent for you to-day, though, to rip up past troubles.

I'm inclined to think that all's for the best.