She left him and ran up-stairs. Lassie was putting on the hat that looked to the eyes of Ledge like a feather duster upside down.
"You're going to stay here and have all the fun," she protested; "oh, I'd give anything to see Mrs. Ray read that paper."
"But I shall not see her."
"You won't see her!"
"No, dear;" then she went and stood at the window in her favorite posture. "Oh, Lassie," she said, "I like to hear Mrs. Ray talk and I enjoy the funny things she says, but do you think that to look on at the hunting down of these two women is any pleasure for me? When I know why they are destitute—why they are in hiding."
"Alva," cried Lassie, "you don't mean you still believe that story?"
"Yes, I do."
"You're crazy!"
"I expect so. But I still believe the story."
Lassie stood still, staring at her friend's back. Then she went hastily forward, seized her impetuously in her arms and kissed her.