"I'll show them to you," she said; and she ran upstairs, and brought a collection of letters to lay in Mrs. Benjamin's lap. "Thank thee, dear. May I read them?" The girl nodded. Mrs. Benjamin lifted the first one. It was addressed to: "My Regular Parents." Isabelle went and threw herself down by the fire, her face turned away, while Mrs. Benjamin read: Oh my dear Parents: I wish you could see this beautiful school I've come to. It has hills, and a large house, and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin has a wrinkly smile, and Mrs. Benjamin is so understanding. They are Quakers and say "thee" and "thou" for "you." It is sweet. When I come home let us say "thee" and "thou" to each other, will you? It sounds so very special. We study out of doors, and it is fun. We play lots of things, like basketball in the field, so we are healthy. My room-mate is Peggy Starr, a very young girl, often tiresome. This is Sunday, and all the girls write home, so I write you, dear, dear, regular parents. I think of you a great deal. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin are just like you, that is why I love them so dearly. I am glad we are poor and have only each other, aren't you? I know some people named Max and Wally, who are rich. They have so much golf, and parties that they can't ever bother with their child, except to scold her. But you care about me, don't you? And you like to hear what I do at school. I would be lonesome without you. I will try hard to do good, because I love you so much. Your loving daughter, ISABELLE. Mrs. Benjamin finished them, then looked at the girl, whose face was turned away, and her smile was very tender. She spoke simply, without a touch of sentimentality. "Dear, they are very sweet and loving letters. I am glad thee thinks Mr. Benjamin and I are like thy 'regular parents.'" Isabelle looked at her shyly. "Suppose we make an agreement, Isabelle. Thee is to write a short letter to thy father every Sunday, and the rest of the letter hour can be devoted to thy 'regular parents.' This letter thee will post to me, and--since I have no 'regular daughter'--every Sunday afternoon I will post a letter to thee. Is that a bargain?" "Oh, yes!" cried the girl, flaming to meet this suggestion--this understanding. "Oh, dear Mrs. Benjamin," she added, "you are so love-ful!" CHAPTER FOURTEEN The new relationship established between Mrs. Benjamin and Isabelle was so precious to the little girl that she abandoned her banner of revolt once for all, and gave herself up to the congenial atmosphere of Hill Top. It was the only home she had ever known, since home is a matter of love and people rather than bricks and stones.