mythology about the hydra or something--every time they cut off its head
two more grew? That's what I'm going to be--a hydra. Every time I get
turned down I'm going to bob up twice again, and, the first thing you
know, somebody will give me a job just to get rid of me."




VII


After the theatre Mr. Gorham devoted himself to some late despatches
which required immediate attention, so Alice and Eleanor found
themselves in the apartment alone. The latter wore a more serious
expression than her face had shown earlier in the evening, and the girl
was quick to notice it.

"You are not feeling well," she said, more in the form of a statement
than as a question, looking at her anxiously. "What can I do for you?"

Mrs. Gorham smiled quietly as she impulsively drew Alice to her and
kissed her.

"There's nothing the matter, dear," she answered, pleased with the
intuition which prompted the anxiety; "there was something about the
play which brought back old memories and they hurt me--that is all."

"Dear heart," was all the girl replied, yet the words brought grateful
tears to Eleanor's eyes.