The older girl smiled at this—a slow, grave smile that seemed characteristic of her.
“I am sorry,” she said. “We should have told you before. I am Mary Chase and this is my sister, Ellen.”
CHAPTER XVIII
COINCIDENCE
For a minute Ruth sat staring at the girl, wondering whether she might believe the evidence of her ears.
“Did you say Mary Chase?” she queried finally. “Are you sure? Oh, I don’t mean that, my dear!” she added quickly, as the faces of both girls expressed surprise and wonderment. “I was only thinking that my falling into that hole back yonder might have some purpose after all!”
The girls looked more bewildered than before and Mary said slowly:
“I don’t believe we quite understand you.”
“Of course you don’t,” replied Ruth, and drew her chair a little closer to the sisters. “Now listen, my dears, and I will tell you of an extraordinary coincidence.”
While they listened in a wondering silence Ruth told them of her meeting with their father’s friend, Mr. Knowles, and that he had explained to her a great deal concerning them, including their fight with the rascals who were attempting to get hold of their property.
“It’s wonderful—your knowing all about us!” said Ellen, in her eager, shy voice. “Then that makes us—” she hesitated, then finished with a blush at her boldness, “not really strangers after all.”