"I know what you think about 'em. Gee, but ain't you women the comforting lot!"
With this parting shot he turned on his heel and disappeared into the kitchen. Virginia, afraid that she was the cause of this little domestic storm, said apologetically:
"I'm sorry you quarrelled. Don't blame him too much, though. Things are rather hard for him."
"For him?" echoed Fanny in surprise. "What about you?"
"Oh, I'll manage," replied her sister quietly.
"He had no right to lose that job," said Fanny angrily.
"He'll soon find another," said Virginia encouragingly. "Till he does we'll get along some way. We've shared the good times together and we'll take the hard ones the same way."
"My, but you are a thoroughbred!" exclaimed her sister admiringly. "If any girl ever deserved to be happy, you're the one."
"The same to you and many of them," laughed Virginia.
At that moment the front doorbell rang. Fanny half rose to go and open, but sat down again.