There was something about Ellen's direct, childlike way of looking at her, and her clear speech, which brought back to Cynthia the little girl of so many years ago.

A warm flush came over her delicate cheeks; her eyes grew bright with tenderness.
[Illustration: I'll study hard and try to do you credit] "I have no doubt as to your doing your best, my dear," she said, "and it gives me great pleasure to do this for you." With that, said with a graceful softness which was charming, she made as if to rise, but Ellen still stood before her.

She had something more to say.

"If ever I am able," she said--"and I shall be able some day if I have my health--I will repay you." Ellen spoke with the greatest sweetness, yet with an inflexibility of pride evident in her face.

Cynthia smiled.