Poor Annie did not understand that it requires a nature seldom met upon this earth, to be solaced, under disappointment and failure, by another's joy.

Annie had made up her mind to say very little to Margaret about what had happened the evening before.

Only at first, she remarked upon the beauty of the dinner, then she said quite casually, "Dear Margaret, we were all so sorry for poor Miss Wallingford's strange conduct." "It really did not matter in the least," replied Margaret coldly.

"I shall never invite her again." "I am sure nobody can blame you," said Annie warmly.

"I don't want to say harsh things, you know that, Margaret, but that poor girl, in spite of her great talent, cannot have had the advantage of good home-training." "Oh, she is Western," said Margaret.