“Does Helen really own Sunset Ranch?” cried Flossie, eagerly.
“She certainly does—every acre of it. Why, Dud knows all about her and all about her affairs. If you consider that girl poor and uneducated you have fooled yourselves nicely.”
“I’m glad of it! I’m glad of it!” exclaimed Flossie, clapping her hands and pirouetting about the room. “Serves you right, Belle! I found out she knew a whole lot more than I did, long ago. She’s been helping me with my lessons.”
“And she is a nice little thing,” joined in Hortense, “I don’t care what you say to the contrary, Belle. She was the only one in this house that showed me any real sympathy when I was sick——”
Belle only looked at her sisters, but could say nothing.
“And if Helen hasn’t anything fit to wear to your party to-morrow night, I will lend her something,” declared Hortense.
“You need not bother,” said Jess, scornfully. “If Helen came in the plainest and most miserable frock to be found she would be welcome. Good-day to you, Miss Starkweather—and Miss Hortense—and Miss Flossie.”
She swept out of the room and did not even need the gorgeous Gregson to show her to the door.