VALLEY

210 RAINBOW VALLEYpretty she was! How golden her hair was under herplumy hat How !pink her cheeks were over her velvetcoat! How blue and companionable her eyes were!Faith felt that Miss West could be a lovely friendonly she were a friend instead of a stranger !"I I'm going up to tell Mrs. Blythe," said Faith."She always understands she never laughs at us. Ialways talk things over with her. It helps.""Dear girlie,I'm sorry to have to tell you that Mrs.Blythe isn't home," said Miss West, sympathetically."She went to Avonlea to-day and isn't coming backtill the last of the week."Faith's lip quivered."Then Imight as well go home again," she saidmiserably."I suppose so unless you think you could bringyourself to talk it over with me instead," said MissRosemary gently. "It is such a help to talk thingsover. / know. I don't suppose I can be as good atunderstanding as Mrs. Blytheifbut I promise you thatI won't laugh.""You wouldn't laugh outside," hesitated Faith."Butyou might inside.""No, I wouldn't laugh inside, either. Why shouldI? Something has hurt youit never amuses me tosee anybody hurt, no matter what hurts them.If youfeel that you'd like to tell me what has hurt you I'llbe glad to listen.that's all right, too, dear."But ifyou think you'd rather not