“But think, Dad! I've cost you so much already!”

“I am glad you have, dear. I think I've needed that. And I want you to go back to the Art League. You have a real talent. We must make the most of it.” Betty's gaze strayed out the window. Her father was a dear man. She hadn't dreamed he could see into her problems like this. She was afraid she might cry, so she spoke quickly.

“But that means making me still more a burden!”

“It is the sort of burden 1 would love, Betty. But don't misunderstand me—I can't do all this now.”

“Oh, I know!”

“You may have to be patient for a time. Tell me, dear, first though... is it what you want most?”

“Oh... why...”

“Answer me if you can. If you know what you want most.”

“I wonder if I do know. It's when I try to think that out clearly that it seems to me I'm no good.”

“I recognize, of course, that you are reaching the age when many girls think of marrying.”