"Not that I know of. She was all right that day of the wreck, when I saw her down on the beach. And the very next time, you know, when I came downstairs, and she happened to walk in, she was different."
"I don't hold much with what Miss Sophy says. She's a mischief-maker, and no mistake. But I do feel afraid that Miss Sophy has got hold of the truth for once."
Mrs. Groates recounted particulars of her two short interviews that day, and Jack listened with a sad face of acquiescence.
"That isn't the first I've heard of it," he said. "Some one told Mimy, and Mimy told me. And I said I wouldn't have her tell you, because it might be all a mistake; and I didn't want to talk about it then. But I'm afraid it isn't a mistake."
"I'm afraid not, Jack."
"I'll never like any other girl so much as Jessie. She's so nice and bright, and such a pretty way with her; at least, she was till lately. And so fond of you, mother. I couldn't marry a girl that wouldn't be good to you. And I did think she cared for me. She'd look so pleased, and get such a colour in her cheeks, if I was to come near; and the way she'd say 'Jack' under her breath made me feel sure. And now it's all changed. I didn't think Jessie was the sort of girl to cast off old friends, nor to go and put on airs. But I can't feel a scrap of hope now."
"Miss Sophy wasn't fair on Miss Pattison, and I said what I could for her, of course," remarked Mrs. Groates. "All the same, if Miss Pattison has done harm to Jessie and set her against us, I do think it's too bad, and I shan't like her any more. I'm sure Jessie hasn't got so much to be proud of that she need put on airs to you, Jack."
Mrs. Groates was not quick to take offence for her own round comfortable little self. An unintentional little slight would pass over her head unnoticed; and even an intentional slight would be received with a cheery, "Well, well, I dare say it wasn't meant." But she was very quick to resent a slight to Jack, whether intended or no; and she could not easily forgive Jessie for causing him pain.
So the next time she happened to encounter Jessie, Mrs. Groates held up her head, and pursed her lips, and was as distant and disagreeable in manner as Jessie could be to her.
Poor Jessie quite made up her mind that day that Jack did not wish to have anything more to do with her. She ran home and cried bitterly, but she entirely refused to tell Mildred the cause of her tears.