Page:Stella Dallas, a novel (IA stelladallasnove00prou).pdf/259

Rh mind that—honestly I can't see a trace of me in Laurel. Nobody can. She's so refined, and sort of elegant in her ways. You know that yourself. Oh, you needn't have a minute's doubt about what sort of a success Laurel will make if you should bring her out in New York society sometime. She makes a wonderful impression upon strangers. Why, if that girl didn't have me shackled round one foot everywhere she goes, she'd just soar. And another thing I want to make clear to you, don't be afraid I'll be appearing at embarrassing moments. I won't—ever. I've got some common sense, thank heaven. I know what sort of an impression I make, too."

There was no mistake about the tears in Helen's eyes now. She rose, went quickly over to Stella, sat down on the arm of her chair, and put her arm about her shoulders.

"I see! I understand!" she exclaimed, softly.

stiffened. No woman had ever understood before. She had never understood herself. The undercurrent of her life had been flowing beneath the surface waters, unnoticed, unobserved for years, wearing a deeper and deeper channel, gathering strength and power in its hidden course. But not until Mrs. Morrison put her arm around Stella had any one looked down through the flotsam and discovered the crystal waters underneath.

"Everything shall be as you wish," said Helen. "Everything. Travel and parties and friends—everything, that to you means happiness for your