"That's what I am," said Bess hardily.
"I shouldn't have known you, anyway," repeated Mrs. Stuart.
"It's Nancy's doing," said Bess.
"What's her doing?"
"Me!" said Bess curtly. "If I'm different, it's all Nancy."
"You ain't a friend of Nancy Dunn's!" said Mrs. Stuart, with a toss of her head.
Bess flashed out, understanding more than Mrs. Stuart would have expected—
"No—that's what I'm not. You're right there. I'm not good enough to be Nancy's friend. But she's the best friend to me ever I had in all my life. She don't cock up her head and look down upon everybody as isn't as good as herself. She just takes 'em by the hand, and helps 'em on. If it hadn't been for Nancy—" Bess came to a stop. "But I've no business waiting here. You can't tell me where I'm to find Mrs. Mason?"
"No, I can't," said Mrs. Stuart.
"Might as well ha' told me so at first!" And Bess dashed away.