“Oh, come now, Helen, she doesn’t think that, does she?”
“Yes she does. She didn’t exactly tell me so, but she can’t hide it from me. I can read that girl pretty well.”
“So can I.”
“Yes, but you don’t see her off her guard.”
“I know what you mean. Just now, she is trying her best to be gay; trying so hard, indeed, that she’s overdoing it.”
“Yes, that’s what I mean. You can tell by the way she laughs. A little hysterical giggle,—that’s not like Patty’s own hearty chuckle!”
“You’re right, Helen; and you’re a good friend to Patty. I’m so glad you’re here with her. Can you stay some time?”
“Yes, as long as she wants me.”
“Then look out for her, won’t you? She’s a frail little thing, and her heart and her energies are too big for her physique.”
“That’s so, Bill. But I’ll look after her,—all she’ll let me. She has a strong will, I can tell you.”