"I am afraid it has been a long and tiresome journey in this warm weather, but a few days' rest will restore you I hope. You look very delicate, Mrs. Boyd." She gave the hand a friendly pressure. "Mother had so much to do before we started," explained Lilian, "and the change--" "And the parting with old friends," with her sympathetic smile. "I hope you will soon feel at home and like us all. Mrs. Searing gave you both such an excellent recommendation, and I confess I take a warm interest in girls who are eager for advancement. Now allow me to show you to your room and shall I send you up some tea? That is a rather pleasant English fashion, I am glad you came so promptly for my housekeeper has gone on her vacation and we shall have the better chance to get acquainted." "Oh, thank you," said Lilian warmly. They followed her up the stairs where a cross hall led to a wing. The room was large with two single beds, the windows in white drapery, a capacious bureau, a dressing table, a washing stand in a recess, a writing desk and some book shelves. It looked so cozy and inviting. "I will send up the tea, and I think your mother had better take a rest. If you like to come down you will find me in the hall." "Thank you," she replied. "I shall be glad to come." She took her mother's bonnet and wrap and placed her in the rocking chair. "Oh, isn't this a splendid closet? It's like another room. We are going to be so happy here; I feel it in every pulse. Heaven bless Mrs. Searing for finding us this shelter. Now drink this cup of tea. Thank you," to the maid. It was reviving. Lilian brushed out her dress and smoothed her hair. Her coat had left some wrinkles in her shirtwaist, but she stretched and patted them out. Then when she had seen her mother comfortable on the bed, she came down. Even the little freshening made her look bright and rosy and her eyes were vivid with the light of pleasure. Mrs. Barrington had a bit of fancy work in her hands which were white and shapely. She studied the young girl. It seemed to call up something from the long past years that eluded and yet piqued her. How different she was from the mother. "Have you always lived in that western town, Laconia, I believe it is, and was it your mother's birthplace?" "Yes, I am quite sure. I was away once as a baby. Mother went to her brother's after father died but did not like it, and Laconia is an ugly manufacturing town of smoke and grime, but it is said to have a fine High School. Of course there are some rich manufacturers." "How long were you in it?" "Two years, and I was fairly broken hearted at the thought of not completing the course, but mother wasn't strong as she had been, and"--yes, she would be bravely honest--"we were poor, mother's little money was almost spent. Boys supported themselves while they are studying, why shouldn't girls?" Oh, where had she seen just that proud uplifting look! It puzzled the lady.