"My dear Bessie, you are too painfully matter-of-fact," said Elma. "Gwin
meant that your nature is transparent--it is a beautiful trait in any
character."

"Well, Bessie, will you come or will you not?" interrupted Gwin.

"Yes, I'll come. I'll manage it somehow," said Bessie. I can't resist
the temptation."

"And you too, Alice?" said Gwin, turning to Alice Denvers, who was
watching Bessie with envious eyes.

"I don't suppose mother will let me. I am ever so vexed," said Alice.

"But why not, dear; you have nothing special to do to-day?"

"Well, I had a bad mark for unpunctuality, and--"

"What does that signify?"

"But listen; I have gone down several places in class. Father and mother
are so particular; they seem to think my whole future life depends upon
my position in school. Of course I know we are not very rich, like
you--" Here she flushed and hesitated.

Gwin Harley flushed also.

"When you talk like that," she said, "I feel quite ashamed of being well
off. I often long to be poor like--like dear little Elma here." As she
spoke she patted her somewhat squat little companion on her arm. "But