"'Well, Dorothy Dainty has always seemed to be fond of Nancy, but now that Nancy is to have a fortune, shell love her a deal more than she ever did before.'"
And now Dorothy spoke, her blue eyes flashing, and her cheeks flushed.
"That's not true!" she cried. "That's not true! I've always loved Nancy, and always will. I'd love her if she had just nothing at all! Nothing could make any difference. I love her all I can. Nancy knows that. Every one knows that."
How keenly she felt Mrs. Paxton's silly speech!
She was indignant that any one should think her love for Nancy so little worth while that fortune could make it stronger.
How could she love Nancy more than she had always loved her?
Nancy threw her arms about her, and drew her closer.
"Don't you mind, Dorothy," she said, "I know how truly you love me. Mrs. Paxton didn't know, because I guess she couldn't understand it. She couldn't love the way you do."
Dorothy smiled through the tears that had filled her eyes.
"There's no one dearer than you, Nancy," she said.