It was impossible to seem unconscious any longer, and Rose said, caressing Phebe's cheek, which burned with a feverish color now: "Then don't shut me out if you have a trouble, but let me share it as I let you share all mine." "I will! Little mistress, I've got to go away, sooner even than we planned." "Why, Phebe ?" "Because Archie loves me." "That's the very reason you should stay and make him happy." "Not if it caused dissension in the family, and you know it would." Rose opened her lips to deny this impetuously, but checked herself and answered honestly: "Uncle and I would be heartily glad, and I'm sure Aunt Jessie never could object if you loved Archie as he does you." "She has other hopes, I think, and kind as she is, it would be a disappointment if he brought me home.

She is right, they all are, and I alone am to blame.

I should have gone long ago I knew I should, but it was so pleasant, I couldn't bear to go away alone." "I kept you, and I am to blame if anyone, but indeed, dear Phebe, I cannot see why you should care even if Aunt Myra croaks and Aunt Clara exclaims or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks.

Be happy, and never mind them," cried Rose, so much excited by all this that she felt the spirit of revolt rise up within her and was ready to defy even that awe-inspiring institution "the family" for her friend's sake.
But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile and answered, still with the hard tone in her voice as if forcing back all emotion that she might see her duty clearly: "You could do that, but I never can.

Answer me this, Rose, and answer truly as you love me.