book in her lap.

"Oh, that--that is my story," replied Wren. "I want to tell you all

about it. Will you have time to wait?" and she looked toward the

window, through which could be seen the silent automobiles.

"Indeed, we will," replied Cora. "I am so anxious to hear all about

it, and I am sure the others are. Do tell us, Wren," and Cora found a

chair quite close to the one on wheels.

Cecilia was fairly "devouring the child." The others were plainly much

interested. Belle, who evidently regarded the affair as her own

particular "find," retained the slim hand of the invalid in that of her

own healthy palm. Mrs. Salvey was smiling now--even the great sad eyes

were throwing out a light, although the light did come from dark and

uncertain depths.

Wren opened her book.

"This is my promise book," she began. "I have to tell you a long story

about it. Then I will ask each of you to make me a promise--it is a

very strange promise," she intoned most seriously. "But I know some

day it will be kept. Some day all these promises will unite in one

grand, great demand. Then Fate will have to answer."