Her chin worked. She fumbled for the handkerchief at her belt. But Sidney
went around the table and flung a young arm over her aunt's shoulders.

"Why didn't you say all that a year ago? We've been selfish, but we're not
as bad as you think. And if any one in this world is entitled to success
you are. Of course we'll manage."

Harriet's iron repression almost gave way. She covered her emotion with
details:--

"Mrs. Lorenz is going to let me make Christine some things, and if they're
all right I may make her trousseau."

"Trousseau--for Christine!"

"She's not engaged, but her mother says it's only a matter of a short time.
I'm going to take two rooms in the business part of town, and put a couch
in the backroom to sleep on."

Sidney's mind flew to Christine and her bright future, to a trousseau
bought with the Lorenz money, to Christine settled down, a married woman,
with Palmer Howe. She came back with an effort. Harriet had two
triangular red spots in her sallow cheeks.

"I can get a few good models--that's the only way to start. And if you
care to do hand work for me, Anna, I'll send it to you, and pay you the
regular rates. There isn't the call for it there used to be, but just a
touch gives dash."