"Does what? Lower her sail and drop anchor at home?"
"Yes."
"But how kin I do it?"
"Get something important for her to do along Social Service lines. That will keep her for a while at least."
"But what kin she do?"
"I cannot say now, but perhaps something will turn up. We must try to work out a plan which will prove attractive."
"Say, you've got a shrewd head on ye'r shoulders, Miss. I guess you've hit the bull's-eye, all right. Yes, we must git an anchor of some kind that'll hold solid."
These two were now becoming firm friends, and they talked about various matters. Belle explained about her life at the Seminary, and Abner told about the proposed Orphan Home, and his conversation that morning with Lawyer Rackshaw. He was somewhat surprised with himself for talking in such a free and easy manner. But the girl was so sympathetic and willing to listen, that he found it a great comfort to confide in her.
"Ye won't say a word about this to Tildy an' Jess, will ye?" he asked. "They don't seem to understand sich things. But you do, an' that's why I've said more to you than to anyone else."
"I'm good at keeping secrets, Mr. Andrews," was the reply, "and I thank you for your confidence."