But as days went by, and Jack's face grew longer, and Jessie's manner stiffer, Mrs. Groates found it increasingly hard to maintain silence.
"You're very busy nowadays, Jessie," she said one day, meeting her in the street. Jessie would have hurried by, but Mrs. Groates stopped her.
"Yes, I've a lot to do—helping Mildred," Jessie answered nervously, looking around, as if she wanted to escape.
"We're older friends of yours than Miss Pattison, but she seems to have stepped into our shoes with you, Jessie." There was a note of reproach in the voice. "You used to like coming to see us,—to see me and Jack."
"Of course I like going to see you. I don't see why I should care so very particularly for going to see—Jack!" with a slight break.
"Now, Jessie!"
"And I've got ever so much to do now. I'm learning dressmaking from Mildred Pattison, and I like it very much. I mean to be a dressmaker. Millie is getting heaps to do."
"And the Misses Coxen don't mind?"
Jessie's face had for a moment a curiously bitter look.
"I don't care if they do," she said shortly. "I mean, I don't care if Miss Sophy does. She can't expect to have everything always her own way. I don't mind if you tell her so too."