A turn in the path brought the end of the grove into view. "Oh, dear!" exclaimed Miss Ferris sadly. "I'd forgotten that Paradise was so very small. Let's go back to that big pine-tree with the great gnarled roots and sit down by the water and forget that we aren't lost in a lovely primeval wilderness."
Eleanor followed her in silence and they found seats on the roots of the big tree, Eleanor choosing one as far as she dared from her companion.
"And now," said Miss Ferris, as soon as they were settled, "tell me all about it."
"About what?" inquired Eleanor steadily.
"What you were running away from."
Eleanor flushed angrily. "Miss Ferris, did any one ask you to—"
"No," said Miss Ferris quickly. "No one told me that you were in trouble. I wish some one had. I'm afraid I've been very blind. I've let you worry yourself almost ill over something and never asked you if I could help. I've been so busy being proud of you this year that I've never even noticed how tired and worn out you were getting."
"Proud!" repeated Eleanor, scornfully.
"Yes," said Miss Ferris, firmly, "proud. You've made a splendid record,
Miss Watson,—a remarkable record, considering last year."
"Please don't. You wouldn't say that if you understood."