It is all well enough for Jane to observe that I was a beautifulbaby with fat cheaks. May not Jane herself, for some hidenreason, have brought me here, taking away the real I to perhapslanguish unseen and "waste my sweetness on the dessert air"? Butthat way lies madness. Life must be made the best of as it is, andnot as it might be or indeed ought to be.

Father promised before he left that I was not to be scolded, as Ifelt far from well, and was drinking water about every minute.

"I just want to lie here and think about things," I exclaimed, when hewas going. "I seem to have so many thoughts. And father----"

"Yes, chicken."

"If I need any help to carry out a plan I have, will you give it tome, or will I have to go to totle strangers?"

"Good gracious, Bab!" he exclaimed. "Come to me, of course."

"And you'll do what you're told?"

He looked out into the hall to look at if mother was near. Then, dearDairy, he turned to me and exclaimed:

"I always have, Bab. I guess I'll run truthful to form."

JANUARY 23RD. Much much better today. 0ut and around. Familey (motherand Sis) fairly dignafied and nothing much to say. Evadently havepromised portlyher to restrain themselves. Father rushed and notcoming home to dinner.

Beresford on edge of proposeing. Sis very jumpy.

LATER: Jane Raleigh is home for her couzin's wedding! Is comingover. We shall take a walk, as I occasionally have much to tell her.

6 P. M. What an evening! How shall I write it? This is aMilestone in my Life.

I have met him at last. Nay, more. I have been inside his dressingroom, conversing as though acustomed to such things all my life. Ihave conceled under the mattress a real photo of him, beneathwhich he has written Yours always, Adrian Egleston."