“I want you to tell me something, Alma,” said Marion, after she had heard all the news and both girls looked at her quickly, there was so much seriousness in her manner. “What is it, dear?” asked Miss Allyn, curiously. “I want you to tell me what you know of Reginald Brookes,” said Marion, quietly. “There is a reason why I should know all that I can possibly learn about him.” “Oh, Marion, he hasn’t proposed to you already, has he?” asked Dollie. “No, indeed,” said Marion, laughing, “but I have another reason for wishing to know all I can about him. I will tell you both what it is just as soon as I think I am right in doing so.” “Well, I will tell you what I know,” said Miss Allyn, blushing a little. “I’ve known Reginald Brookes ever since he was born, so I think I can speak with some authority.” Marion held her breath and bent forward to listen, and the eagerness in her manner did not escape Miss Allyn. “Regie Brookes is one of the best and noblest fellows that ever lived,” she said, distinctly, “and on a certain occasion, several years ago, I was fool enough to refuse to marry him.” “Oh, Miss Allyn!” gasped Dollie, “was Dr. Brookes in love with you and did you throw him over on account of that—that Mr. Colebrook?” “I guess those are about the facts in the case,” said Miss Allyn, bitterly. “Some women are big geese where men are concerned, but I wasn’t simply a goose, I was a whole flock,” she added, laughing. “Do you suppose he is all over it?” asked Dollie, who was beginning to feel sympathetic. “I hope so, I am sure,” said Miss Allyn, quickly. “Why, that was years ago—we were almost children.” “You would not believe him guilty of wronging a poor girl, would you?” asked Marion, her cheeks tingling as she said it. “Never!” cried Miss Allyn, emphatically. “He could not do it! Regie Brookes is the soul of chivalry and honor!” “Then, I will tell you what I mean,” said Marion, slowly, and she repeated the sad story of Kittie’s death and the subsequent detail of the photograph now in her possession. When she had finished her story, Dollie looked bewildered, but Miss Allyn’s expression of absolute faith had not changed an atom. “Let me see the picture,” she said at once. Marion drew the little package from her pocket and started to open it. “I suppose it is in here; Miss Williams said it contained all of poor Kittie’s treasures,” she said as she tore off the paper and laid the contents on the table. There was a handkerchief, a bit of ribbon and a brass locket in the package. Then Marion caught her breath as she discovered two pictures. “This is his!” cried Miss Allyn, snatching up the one of young Brookes. There was a glad cry from Marion at the very same minute. She was staring hard at the other picture.