A DECLARATION OF WAR The October twilight had fallen before the two girls finished their walk.

When Patience opened her door she did not at first glance see the huddled figure crouched close to the window.

A sound, half sob, half sigh, caused her to cross the room in an instant.
"Who are you, and what is the trouble ?" were her blunt questions.
The girl burrowed her face in her arm and made no answer.
"Get up!" commanded Patience, an imperative note in her voice that caused the girl to half struggle to her feet, then sink sobbing to her old position.
"This won't do at all," remonstrated Patience.

"You mustn't sit here.
Stop crying instantly." She purposely made her voice coldly unsympathetic with a view toward summoning the weeper's pride to her aid.
It had the desired effect.

The girl rose from the floor and stumbled toward the door, her head still hidden on her arm.
With a cry of, "Why, it is Miss Rawle!" Patience sprang forward and caught the girl by the hand.