THE WALK TO THE LOWER FALLS
"I certainly am going with Mrs. O'Neil when she carries that paper to the post-office after dinner," Lassie exclaimed, as soon as they reached their rooms. "Oh, Alva, this is the most interesting experience I ever had. I'm just wild. It's such fun!"
Alva came straight to her, laid her two hands on the girl's shoulders and looked into her face.
"Lassie!" she said, in a tone of appalled meaning, "Lassie!"
Lassie laughed a little, just a very little. "I didn't make them bad," she said; "it's just that I enjoy the fun of the developments."
"The fun!" said Alva, "the fun! When there isn't anything except tragedy, misery, and shame!"
"But, Alva, if they are that kind of women, isn't it right that they should be found out?"
Her friend dropped her hands and turned away.
"Oh, dear—oh, dear," she said, with a sigh that was almost a moan.
Later they went down to the dining-room. Ingram had not come that noon, and Mrs. Lathbun and her daughter were sitting placidly at their table. Alva and Lassie took their own seats as usual.