Essie Tisdale passed her without a glance, but Mrs. Terriberry came behind with the breakfast of fried potatoes and the thin, fried beefsteak on the platter which served also as a plate, from which menu the Terriberry House never deviated by so much as a mutton chop.
"I'm sorry you and Essie fell out," said Mrs. Terriberry apologetically as she placed the dishes before her. "But she seems awful set on not waitin' on you."
Dr. Harpe dropped her eyes for an instant.
"It's up to her."
"She's as good-natured as anybody I ever saw but she's high-strung, too; she's got a temper."
Dr. Harpe lifted a shoulder.
"She'd better have my friendship than my enmity, even if she has a temper."
"Essie's mighty well liked here," Mrs. Terriberry returned quickly.
"Popularity is a mighty uncertain asset in a small town."
"Don't forget that yourself, Doc," returned Mrs. Terriberry, nettled by her tone.