"Yes. I'm sorry. I know! She was so kind, and for a moment I forgot." To herself Winnie added bitterly, "I didn't think she would have let it out." "You forgot—what?" "We were talking, and I—somehow I said—something. I forgot that you don't like people to know how kind you've been to us—paying for Raye, and all that!" She glanced up penitently. "I know it was wrong. But I didn't mean—" "You told Miss Winton about Raye!" This was news, and his face darkened. "I'm so sorry. It—somehow it just slipped out. I don't think I said 'school,' but I did say 'college.'" "You have always been told that these things were not to be mentioned." "I know! I forgot." Winnie was fighting to keep down sobs. "She—she—promised—she wouldn't tell anybody." This brought a frown. "She! Do you mean Miss Winton? What reason did you give for asking her to be silent?" "I said—oh, I said—you didn't—didn't—like people to know it." "I do not. Stop crying, and listen to me." But he ordered in vain. The little thin hands were clenched over her face. He put a kind hand on her shoulder, and that only made her worse. "Winnie—stop!" She obeyed this time, and sobbed no more, but the slight frame was convulsed. Mrs. Morris brought a glass of water, and he made her sip it. "Now you are better. Don't begin again. If you do, I shall have to go away." She clutched at his sleeve. "Oh please—please—don't." He waited in silence, till the struggles for self-control were successful. "Now you must listen to me. I wish you once for all to understand. People do not know what you mean, when you talk in that way; and it causes gossip. Remember, I owe much to your mother, for her care of Miss Stirling in infancy. I am always grateful for it; and if I choose to show particular kindness to her and you, that is my affair. But I do not choose my actions to be made the talk of Lynnbrooke. Even Jane knows this. I have warned her; and she does not forget. I did not think it would be needful to warn you." The girl pressed her handkerchief to quivering lips. "Miss Winton did not tell me that you had talked about Raye's expenses. What she did say was that you spoke of me as your 'friend." "Yes—" faintly. "I hope I am a friend to you, and to all my tenants. But I object to have comparisons made, and jealousies aroused. If I have helped you as a family more than other families, I am perfectly free to do so; and I have my reasons, which do not concern other people. If it is talked about, those other people, not understanding, will expect the same for themselves. You see now! I want you to act with discretion, like a woman, not like a thoughtless child. It did not matter so much in Norfolk, but it does matter here. You must say nothing; you must tell nothing; either to Miss Winton or to anybody else." She nodded silently. "Then I need say no more. Come—there is no need to cry. Only be careful in future."