further efforts to change Edith's decision, but in vain. She was, in
fact, more perplexed at Edith herself than at any other thing; for this
one who but a day before had been a gentle, tractable, docile, gay,
light-hearted girl had suddenly started up into a stern, self-willed
woman, with a dauntless spirit and inflexible resolve.

"There is only one more thing that I have to mention," said Edith, as
Miss Plympton rose to go. "It is a favor that I have to ask of you. It
is this;" and she laid her hand on the papers of the report, which were
lying rolled up in a parcel on the table. "Have you any further use for
this? Will you let me keep it?"

"The need that I had for it," said Miss Plympton, "was over when I gave
it to you. I prepared it for you, and preserved it for you, and now
that you have it, its work is accomplished. It is yours, dearest, for
you to do as you choose with it."

To this Edith murmured some words of thanks, and taking up the parcel,
proceeded to tie it up more carefully.

* * * * *




CHAPTER IV


THE WELCOME HOME.