It marked a new epoch for Winona.

She had had few friends of her own age.

She had been the eldest pupil at Miss Harmon's small school, and her sisters were so much younger than herself that their interests were on a different plane to her own.

Garnet, with her merry brown eyes, eager and enthusiastic nature, and amusing tongue, seemed a revelation.
The two girls spent every available moment together, and soon waxed confidential on the subject of their home affairs.
"We're all named after precious stones," said Garnet.

"Pearl, my eldest sister, is classics mistress at a school; Jacinthe is studying for a health visitor, Ruby is at a Horticultural College, and Beryl is secretary at a Settlement.