A Morning in the Vatican.

_Oh! their Rafael of the dear Madonnas._

--BROWNING.

[Illustration: LOGGIA OF RAPHAEL, VATICAN, ROME.]


It was, of course, somewhat difficult for Barbara to adjust herself to
the new conditions. After the first, however, she said nothing to any
one save Bettina about the money Howard had left her, only, as in her
ignorance of business methods, she had need to consult Mrs. Douglas.

But she and Bettina had many things to talk over and much consultation
to hold regarding the future. One evening, after they had been thus
busy, Bettina said, nestling closer to her sister, as they sat together
on the couch, brave in its Roman draperies:--

"You must not always say '_our_ money,' Bab, dear."

"Why not?" with a startled look.

"Because it is _your_ money,--your very own;--the money Howard gave you
to spend for him, and yourself enjoy."

"But, Betty, we have shared everything all our lives. I do not know how
to have or use anything that is not yours as well as mine. If Howard had
known my heart, he would have had it just as I would. I shall give you
half, Betty. Do not, oh! do not refuse it. I shall not be happy with it