Why? why? Because she was so ill-mannered. Of course that was the reason. Why did Roland speak so strongly about the perfect girl's gracious and sympathetic manners, unless to make her understand, in this kindly and thoughtful way, how much was wanting in herself? Of course, he only looked upon her as a common country girl, who knew nothing, and would never learn anything. He wanted her to understand that--to feel that she would never rise to higher levels. He drew this picture of the perfect girl to make and keep her humble. Nay, but now she had this money--all this wealth--now--now---- She sprang to her feet and threw out her arms, the gesture that she had learned I know not where. 'Oh!' she cried, 'it is the gift of the Five Talents! I am not the rich young man. I have not received these riches for my consolation. They are my Five Talents. I will go away and learn--I will learn. I will become the perfect girl. I will train eye and hand. I will grow--grow--grow--to my full height. That will be true work in the service of the Giver of those Talents. I shall become a good and faithful servant when I have risen to the stature that is possible for me!' PART II CHAPTER I SWEET COZ 'I suppose,' said Philippa, 'that we were obliged to ask her.' 'Well, my dear,' her mother replied, 'Mr. Jagenal is an old friend, and when----' Her voice dropped, and she did not finish the sentence. It is absurd to finish a sentence which is understood. 'Perhaps she will not do anything very outrageous.' 'Well, my dear, Mr. Jagenal distinctly said that her manner----' Again she left the sentence unfinished. Perhaps it was her habit. 'As she bears our name and comes from our place we can hardly deny the cousinship. In a few minutes, however, we shall know the worst.'