Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/185

 To-morrow's reflection might show each that a broken friendship, no matter how closely riveted it may be by remorse and forgiveness, can never again be the flawless whole that it was before. The mended vessel will do very well in this life of cemented affections, but it can never ring clear again like the perfect crystal vase of an unbroken trust.

Margaret watched Philip and Feuardent as long as she could see them from the window, and then turned and looked at Mrs. Harden, whose blue eyes had grown very dim with tears. The young girl was dry-eyed and silent.

"Margaret, you look so bewildered; did n't you understand it all?" said Mrs Harden, with a little sob.

"Yes, I think I understand," answered Margaret.

"What a cold, heartless thing you are," Mrs. Harden continued, "to see those two beautiful dears standing there, like two knights-errant of old, just adoring you, and telling you so with eyes plainer than I am speaking now,—and you like a little prudish statue without a word or look or blush for either of them. I don't believe you have got any heart at all,—indeed I don't."

"I don't know, dear; perhaps I have not," answered Margaret, her hands still tightly pressed