"Confidence in her!" said Mrs. Singleton, with scorn. "Of course I have not a particle. But she will have no opportunity to play me a trick. Be sure of that."
Meanwhile Helen said to Marion, rather doubtfully: "Marion, do you really like Mrs. Singleton very much? She is very pleasant and very elegant, but somehow—I hope I am not uncharitable—I never feel as if one could thoroughly trust her."
"My dear," replied Marion, with her mocking smile, "do you know, or fancy that you know, many people whom you can 'thoroughly trust'? If so, you are more fortunate than I am; for I have known only one or two in my life."
"O Marion! no more than that? How can you be so unjust to your friends?"
"I have no friends, in the true sense of the term, except you and Claire. I trust you."
"I hope so, and I you—most thoroughly."
Marion regarded her with something like wonder. "Now, why," she said, dispassionately, "should you trust me? I am sure I have never shown a character to inspire that sentiment."
"You delight in showing your worst side," answered Helen; "but it does not deceive me. I know that the worst is not as bad as you would have it believed to be, and that the best exists all the time."
"It certainly exists for you, and always will," said Marion, quickly. "There is nothing I could not sooner do than betray your trust."
"How can you even hint such a thing!" exclaimed Helen, indignantly. "Do you think I could ever fear it?"