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only new dress this winter. Do you really think——?"

"Did you notice what was worrying her? She wasn't thinking of herself; she was afraid we'd be ashamed of her."

Tears flooded Christabel's eyes again; her lip quivered. I only want them to be proud of me, she thought. That's the only reason I'm being in this awful old play, just to try to make them happy.

"I know, bless her heart! She's thrown herself into this as if the whole thing depended on her. You know that's the only reason I would like to let her wear what she wants, she's been so sweet about having such a tiny little part; never a word of complaint, and you know it would have been natural. I don't know when she hasn't had the leading part in really everything. Of course it's none of my business, but I can't help feeling it's a little funny of Edith Plummer——"

"I'd let her wear it."

"Well—I will, then."