"Remember, Beulah, she is an only child, and her father's idol, and perhaps—"
"The very blessings that surround her should teach her to feel for the unfortunate and unprotected," interrupted the orphan.
"You will find that prosperity rarely has such an effect upon the heart of its favorite," answered Clara musingly.
"An unnecessary piece of information. I discovered that pleasant truth some time since," said Beulah bitterly.
"I don't know, Beulah; you are an instance to the contrary. Do not call yourself unfortunate, so long as Dr. Hartwell is your friend. Ah! you little dream how blessed you are."
Her voice took the deep tone of intense feeling, and a faint glow tinged her cheek.
"Yes, he is very kind, very good," replied the other, more gently.
"Kind! good! Is that all you can say of him?" The soft brown eyes kindled with unwonted enthusiasm.
"What more can I say of him than that he is good?" returned the orphan eagerly, while the conversation in the study, the preceding day, rushed to her recollection.
Clara looked at her earnestly for a moment, and then averting her head, answered evasively: