because the collars were to be honored by being worn by such as she,
that they became important, and the boys and their desperate needs sunk
into insignificance. Well, he wished they would both go, and leave him
to himself; give him a chance to rally from his momentary excitement, of
which he was now ashamed.

At last the collars were bought,--but not until the counter was strewn
with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little nothings for
last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. Roberts
whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and said:

"What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?"




CHAPTER V.

"A CHRISTIAN HOME."


"I don't suppose you can go into detail just now," she added, noting
young Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; "but I was wondering if you
could give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought
could be done."

"There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe
she thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world
very well," said this aged cynic. "She judged everybody from the
standpoint of her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy