"I guess Nan has got the 'wise' of it," agreed Laura. "No matter how well we may think of Rhoda, she would be equally offended if we all suddenly changed toward her in a way to make her conspicuous. We must begin treating her naturally."
"That's all right," agreed Amelia. "But we cannot overlook the incident of that car ride."
"I should say not!" exclaimed Bess Harley.
"Everybody is talking about it," said Grace.
"Dr. Beulah spoke of it this morning at chapel," Lillie said, "although she did not mention Rhoda's name."
"But everybody knew who she meant," Bess declared.
"For that she can thank Miss March," laughed Laura. "She will never get over talking about Rhoda's bravery."
"And poor Rhoda looked scared in chapel," said Nan. "She thought she was going to be publicly commended for what she had done," and Nan finished with laughter.
"Well," cried Bess, "what shall we do, girls?"
"No," Nan said once more with gravity, "that isn't it. It's what will she do? That is the question. Let Rhoda meet us half way, at least. Otherwise we'll all be stiff and formal and never get any nearer to that wild Western girl than before. I'll tell you!"