"It's very nice to be here, and I shall soon get strong," she said. "I
suppose I rather overdid things, but the examination was coming and I
was anxious my girls should pass well."

"From the school managers' point of view, that was a laudable aim, but I
don't know that it was worth injuring your health for. You used to agree
that managers often expected too much from a teacher."

"I'm afraid I had a selfish object," said Agatha, smiling. "I wanted a
better post that will soon be vacant."

"Ambition sometimes deceives one. I know the post you mean and the girl
who's going. It carries duties that wore her out."

"And better pay," said Agatha.

Mrs. Farnam gave her a thoughtful look. "Well, that's plausible; but I
never thought you greedy. Why do you want the extra pay?"

"I have a use for it," Agatha replied with a twinkle. "I don't suppose I
shall carry out my plans, and after all, they are too ridiculous to talk
about. Anyhow, you would think so. You're very practical."

"People are curious," Mrs. Farnam remarked. "I'm willing to admit I'm
practical, but I married and love my husband, while you look romantic
and in many ways are not. You risk your health for money, and I don't
think any man ever roused a tender thought in you. There's Jake, for
example--"

She stopped and Agatha was silent for a few moments, although she was