Bettina did not know what to do. She had never seen Barbara so
overwrought with excitement. Presently, however, she began to speak of
Howard, and before long they were talking tenderly of the young man who
so short a time ago was a stranger to them, but whose life had been
destined to touch so closely their own.

Barbara was profoundly moved as she realized this proof of his affection
for her, and a depression was fast following her moment of exultation,
when a tap at the door ushered in Mrs. Douglas, who took her into her
arms as her mother would have done. Her sweet sympathy and bright
practical talk did a world of good in restoring to both the girls their
natural calmness.

Barbara, however, was in a feverish haste to do something that would
repay her parents for the money she and Betty were using, and, to soothe
her, Mrs. Douglas told her what to write to the lawyer, so that he would
at once transfer a few thousands of dollars to Dr. Burnett. Then she
said:--

"I would not write your father and mother about it until to-morrow. You
can do it more easily then; and I will write, too, if you would like.
Margery and Malcom are longing to see you. So is Robert, I am sure. And
will it not be best for you to go right out somewhere with us?"




Chapter XV.