acquaintance. Your wonderful music inspires all who hear you to know
you personally; the service lacked half its charm on Sunday because
you were absent. When I learnt that your absence was occasioned by
your mother's illness, I asked the rector if he thought a call from
me would be an intrusion, and he assured me to the contrary. I used
to be considered an excellent nurse; I am very strong, and full of
vitality, and if you would permit me to sit by your mother some
Sunday when you are needed at church, I should be most happy to do
so. I should like to make the acquaintance of your mother, and
compliment her on the happiness of possessing such a gifted and
dutiful daughter."

Like all who sat for any time under the spell of the second Mrs
Lawrence, Joy felt the charm of her voice, words and manner, and it
began to seem as if she had been very unreasonable in entertaining
unfounded prejudices.

That the rector had introduced her was alone proof of her worthiness;
and the gracious offer of the distinguished-looking lady to watch by
the bedside of a stranger was certainly evidence of her good heart.
The frost disappeared from her smile, and she warmed toward the
Baroness. The call lengthened into a visit, and as the Baroness
finally rose to go, Joy said:

"I will take you in and introduce you to mamma now. I think it will
do her good to meet you," and the Baroness followed the graceful girl
through a narrow hall, and into a room which had evidently been
intended for a dining-room, but which, owing to its size and its
windows opening to the south, had been utilised as a sick chamber.