"I was bound for New York in answer to a summons from the men
engaged on the case, when this accident occurred. Mr. Gibson had
offered to make the journey for me, but I felt that I alone must
hear the first news--and to think that through that blessed
accident I stumbled upon my little girl." She ceased speaking and
with streaming eyes again clasped Mabel in a fond embrace.

The chums found their own eyes wet, during this recital, but of
the four, Jessica appeared to be the most deeply moved. Mabel had
meant more to her than to the others, and she found herself facing
the severest trial that had so far entered her young life. She
drew a deep breath, then went bravely over to Mrs. Allison, saying
with quivering lips:

"It is very, very hard to give Mabel up. She is the child of our
sorority, but she belongs most of all to me. She is the dearest
girl imaginable, and neither hardship nor poverty have marred her.
She is sweet, unselfish and wholesome, and always will be. I am
glad, glad, glad that her dream has at last been realized, and I
should be the most selfish girl in the world if I didn't rejoice
at her good fortune."

She smiled through her tears at Mabel, who rushed over to her and
exclaimed:

"Jessica, dearest, you know perfectly well how much I do and
always shall love you, and Grace and Anne and Nora, too."

The four girls lingered a few moments, then said good-bye to Mrs.
Allison and Mabel, who was to remain for the present with her