money. Perhaps he'd turn out well. Father McGowan hoped so. He'd bet on Cecilia anyway. She'd use money in the right way in a few more years. 

 There was a rustle at the door. Cecilia, in a new gown bought to wear at the "swell school," came in. 

 "Father McGowan, dear!" she said. 

 "Cecilia Madden, dear!" he answered. They both laughed, and then settled. 

 "Have you come to tell me to be a good girl at the swell school?" she questioned. The father was silent. He was looking at Cecilia's dress.  The dress was of purple silk with a green velvet vest. There were ribbons looped carelessly on its gorgeousness too. 

 "Little Celie," said Father McGowan, "I want to tell you things and I can't. Now if you had a mother! Sometimes women do come in handy." 

 Cecilia nodded. 

 "I want to tell you," said Father McGowan, looking hard at the brick, "not to be hurt if at first the girls are stand-offish like. That's their way." 

 "Oh, no," said Cecilia.  "I won't be, but I think they'll be nice. Mrs. De Pui says they're all of the best families with wonderful home advantages." 

 "Hum—" grunted Father McGowan. He did not seem much impressed. He still gave the brick his undivided attention.  "And," he went on, "if you should get lonely, remember that there's one Lady you can always tell your troubles to. She won't laugh, and she always listens." 

 "Oh, yes!" said Cecilia, and she crossed herself. 

 Father McGowan drew a long breath. "Now," he said, "remember that if your clothes are different from theirs that your father has plenty of money to buy new ones for you. Remember that. A penance is all right, but not at fourteen." 

 "Why, my clothes are beautiful!" said Cecilia. She looked bewildered.  "They're all silk and lace and velvet, and I haven't a low heeled pair of shoes. French heels, Father McGowan, dear!" 

 "Cecilia Madden, dear," said Father McGowan. His look was inscrutable. He laid a hand on her hair. His touch was very gentle. "Most of all," he said, "remember never to be ashamed of your people, and always to love them. Love those who love you. Reason the truth out in your heart, and don't accept the standards of little 

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