"Oh, my darling," the mother said, "this is one of the things that cannot make any difference in our love for you. And if you could only understand the burthen it had lifted off my soul. A hundred times I have said: 'Oh, why did I take baby Marguerite on that journey?' She was so strong and well and I was so proud of her, I wanted your father to see her." "And you will be proud of her again. She is going to be a fine scholar, and I'm just pretty to look at, that's all! I can't make myself love anyone all in a moment," and she gave a little sob. "My child, the love will come if you do not steel your heart against it. Think, Zay, a twin sister----" "But she is larger, different and a sort of story heroine. Everyone will be interested in her and I shall be pushed quite to the wall." "Oh, Zay, you are a foolish little girl. But you have had all the admiration and love, and we must wait patiently until you understand that love can never be impoverished by giving. Think of this, pray for a generous heart, and let her love you." Aunt Kate was waiting in her room. And Zay's overcharged heart gave way to a passion of weeping on the friendly bosom. "Dear, I know how hard it is to be crowded out. Of course everyone will flock around her for a while and never having had much admiration she will be the more eager for it. And as will be perfectly natural when the first interest is worn off, the real grain will be apparent and I dare say she will show her common breeding. Why, this Mrs. Boyd had next to no education. I shouldn't want anyone to see that so-called confession, but I dare say your father will keep it close enough, for he would be ashamed to have any one see it. I'm sorry the story had to get abroad, but your father thought there would be so many surmises, and perhaps, exaggerations. It's a horrid thing to live through, but your mother is so much happier. Why, she seemed ten years younger. And you will always have a staunch friend in me. No one can oust you from my heart if she had all the gifts of the nine graces. Oh, you will come back to your rightful place, never fear." But Zay wept herself to sleep with an ache in her heart that crowded out all tender feelings. After a long while Lilian Boyd fell asleep and there came no disturbance. Just at daylight Miss Arran leaned over the bed and touched the cold face, felt for the heart. There was not the faintest motion. There had not been a sound or a sigh, she had just lapsed into her dreamless sleep. She summoned Mrs. Dane. "It is much better so. There will be nothing painful to remember," said that lady. "Mother, mother!" and Lilian roused suddenly.