“I can believe that,” said Miss Abbey, with a softening glance at the little creature.

“And if it’s proud to have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts,” Miss Jenny struck in, flushed, “she is proud. And if it’s not, she is not .”

Her set purpose of contradicting Miss Abbey point blank, was so far from offending that dread authority, as to elicit a gracious smile. “You do right, child,” said Miss Abbey, “to speak well of those who deserve well of you.”

“Right or wrong,” muttered Miss Wren, inaudibly, with a visible hitch of her chin, “I mean to do it, and you may make up your mind to that , old lady.”