Blue Bonnet turned sharply.
"Who told that? That's my business and Uncle Cliff's—entirely!"
"You said something about being responsible for me when I was sick. I reckon the girls put two and two together and started the story. I can't think how else it got out."
Blue Bonnet put her arms round Carita and gave her a swift hug.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Carita. It must make you feel—horrid!"
"Not a bit," Carita answered cheerfully. "Everybody knows that a poor clergyman's daughter would never get in a school like this without some help. It was splendid of you to do it. I don't mind any one's knowing. Honestly I don't, Blue Bonnet. Don't be angry."
Blue Bonnet sat down limply in a chair and covered her face with her hands.
"Oh, Blue Bonnet! Why did you make me tell you? I knew it would only make you unhappy. What difference does it make, anyway?"
"Just this difference: I like Annabel—for herself—and she likes me for what I've got. I suppose that's the way all those girls feel—Sue and Wee, and Ruth—"
Carita was down at Blue Bonnet's side in an instant, her arms about her.