“She is better alone, and doing wonderful work at her studies and her music. I had a note from her just now. She says we must be patient and soon she will be able to—emerge from her shadow. She sends her love, etc.” “The dear!” and Judith’s eyes melted with a sentiment as sincere as that now engulfing the gray orbs of Jane. “Whoever would have thought we would have this struggle to keep her in her well-earned place in Wellington? Isn’t it true, Janey dear, that trouble begets trouble?” “It seems too true to be pleasant just now,” replied Jane. “But, Judy, we have come through. We have given Helen a chance here she could never have otherwise obtained. And she has been so worth while.” “We have given it to her! You mean you have done so! Ages ago I should have scared the poor child off with my foolish questioning, and somehow, that remarkable redhead of yours knew better. I believe red hair only grows in gray matter.” “All the same, Judy dear, I should have been helpless without you. I believe Heaven makes girls in pairs.” “Then I insist you were the pattern, and they liked it so well after they had a chance to look you over, that they gave me some of the same effect. There, wouldn’t our theology shock the Theo. Faculty? But I know one thing, girl, I am perfectly sure Heaven loves girls who love themselves.” “Back to earth, my dear,” commanded Jane. “Has our basketball secretary fixed up the new schedule? Aren’t we making a fine record this year?” “Oh, we started out to do that, to the last question; and to the first, yes, Constance has fixed up the schedule, she announced it at the practice from which you were excused. But, Jane, I had the darlingest letter from one of the Breslins, Marie Condon. She insists you have a system, and wants a line on it. She said Katherine, who fumbled in the big game and gave you the ball, never was known to do anything like that before. Now, Jane, did you actually and truly hypnotize her?” “Silly, I merely used the regular strategy. She did keep her gaze fixed on me instead of the ball——” “Oh, well, your beauty did the trick then. It’s all the same,” finished the effervescent Judith. “I have known your eyes to do that to little me, and I never could stand up under your old-time ingrown smile.” “Judy, I have sent sweet little Mrs. Meeker all the six samples, and I want to compliment you on yours. It was very prettily done, and I wouldn’t wonder if some very nice soldier, or his girl, would write you a little letter of thanks. I took pains to mark each sampler with the name and address of the Mirabelle Dictu who finished it. Helen did two. Dickey couldn’t finish hers.” “Oh, that’s lovely, Janie. I am so glad to have had just one more piece of war work to my credit. We begin to miss the dreadful war. And I am sure Mrs. Meeker will be overjoyed to get her pretty beaded pieces all so nicely finished. That was another of your inspirations, Jane.”