"Proudy," whispered Billy.
Ruth shot him a look of defiance from under her black brows. "You'd be proud, too, if you had on Henrietta Brackenbury's coat," she said.
"Well, I guess I've got on the major's," returned Billy triumphantly.
"Oh, but it's made over," returned Ruth, as if that settled the question and made all the difference in the world.
In fact, so complacent was Ruth in her new rig that, a few days later, her pride had a fall, such a tumbledown as was followed by serious consequences.
It was when Lucia Field invited her to a party which was strictly select, it being her birthday. Annie Waite was there as well as Nora Petty, Angeline McBride and Charlotte Thompson. Ruth was glad to see them all except Nora and Angeline, for these two had never been very agreeable to her at school. Once or twice, Nora had made some little mean remark which Ruth had overheard and which had made her very angry. She had told Billy about it, but he only laughed. She had not forgotten, however, and held herself rather loftily when she entered Lucia's house, clad in the red coat and a fine plaid poplin which had been Henrietta's.
"Doesn't Ruth look nice?" whispered Annie to Nora.
"So, so," was the reply given with a toss of the head.
"I wonder where she got her clothes," said Angeline. "They are kind of old-fashioned, but they are awfully pretty."
"She didn't bring 'em with her when she came to town, that's one thing sure," said Nora behind her hand.