Katherine was not sorry to be left alone, and bringing forth from her trunk her Bible, "Science and Health," and "Quarterly," began to study her lesson for the coming Sunday. She spent half an hour or more in this way, then sat reading from her text-book until Sadie returned. Katherine greeted her with a smile as she entered and inquired: "What is the retiring hour, Miss Minot?" "Ten; and every light must be out at half-past," was the somewhat curt response. Then, after an irresolute pause, she walked over to Katharine, and picking up the book she had just laid down, asked: "What is this that you were reading? Oh! it is that dreadful book I've heard so much about." "It doesn't seem dreadful to me," returned her companion, gently. "Humph! 'At all times and under all circumstances overcome evil with good,'" [Footnote: "Science and Health," page 571.] she read from the page to which she had opened. "That's just another version of the 'golden rule,' isn't it?" Then, turning a leaf, she read from the next page: "'Love fulfills the law in Christian Science.' Humph!" she ejaculated again, as she put the volume down, "so you are a Christian Scientist! I heard about it downstairs." "Yes," quietly returned Katherine. "And do you really believe all they tell about the wonderful cures and--and the rest of it?" Sadie demanded, with curling lips. "Yes." "Tell me about some of them," said the girl, eagerly, her curiosity aroused. "Excuse me, Miss Minot; I cannot, for Prof. Seabrook has forbidden me to say anything about the subject here," Katherine returned. "Yes, I heard that, too," said Sadie, with a nod. "Well, the professor is dead set against it, and I'm down on it right smart myself. You see"--with a superior air--"I'm an Episcopalian; my grandfather was an Episcopalian clergyman, a rector, you know, and"--with a shrug and laugh--"I'm afraid he wouldn't rest easy in his grave if he knew I had such a rank heretic for a roommate. But"--leaning forward and smiling into her companion's eyes-- "aside from that I like you right well, Miss Minturn, and if we leave this subject alone I reckon we'll get along pretty comfortably together; what do you say?" "I am sure we will," cordially assented Katherine, "and"--with a merry twinkle in her eyes--"if you do not broach it, you may confidently rely upon my discretion." "I own up," good-naturedly returned her chum. "I did broach it this time; but"--flushing slightly--"something had to be said to get it out of the way, don't you know? And may I--would you like me to call you Katherine?" "With all my heart, Sadie." The two girls smiled into each other's eyes; the last vestige of formality was swept away, and the atmosphere was clear. CHAPTER III. DOROTHY.