"I hardly think so. In the South we don't come out; we grow out! I can't remember when I went to my first party; along with my dolls, I reckon."
"I suppose that's why you are always so at ease in company. You aren't the least bit self conscious."
Annabel closed her book and stealing over to Blue Bonnet put an arm about her lovingly.
"Flatterer!" she said.
"No such thing. I never flatter. I admire you awfully! You know I do."
"Thank you, Blue Bonnet. I believe you mean it. You're the most truthful person I know. Now! There's a compliment for you."
Arm in arm the girls left the study hall where they had lingered over their books after class had been dismissed. This friendship, which had promised so much in the beginning, grew steadily. Annabel loved the sincere, upright Western girl; and Blue Bonnet had found all the sweet fine qualities that abounded in Annabel's nature. There are moments, living as intimately as boarding-school girls live, when the mask that hides selfishness, hypocrisy and petty jealousy, slips away, revealing the true nature. To Blue Bonnet's somewhat critical eye, Annabel had measured up under all circumstances; and Annabel had found Blue Bonnet as fair and loyal, as honest and just, as was possible in this world where human frailties so often tip the scale in the balance.
At the top of the stairs the girls paused.
"Are you busy for the next half hour, Blue Bonnet?" Annabel asked.
"No, not very. Why?"