Little Florette ran to her mother and climbed in her lap.
"I love you best, mamma," she said, "but I love my other mamma, too."
"And quite right, my dear child," said Mrs. Graham, with a bright smile. "It was but in jest, Mrs. Conrad. No mother who deserves her child's love need fear rivalry. Florette's heart is large enough and warm enough to love us both."
Mrs. Conrad rejoiced in the liberty to love Florette and to be loved by her, and if ever she forgot her special cause of sorrow it was when she had the little girl in her arms.
"I have a favor to ask of you, Mrs. Conrad," said Mrs. Graham, a little later.
"It is granted already."
"This afternoon I want to pay some calls. Will you be willing to go out with Florette?"
"Most certainly. I shall be glad to do so."
"I am sorry I cannot place the carriage at your disposal, as I should like to use it myself."
"Oh, we can manage without it. Can't we, Florette?"