"You're just nervous over the terrible fire. All the bad that can happen has already happened to you."
"I don't know about that," murmured Beth, but could not be persuaded to tell Julia more about her dream. Julia therefore sank back into slumberland, and forgot all about her friend's dream, but not so Beth. The fear of what she dreamed haunted her, waking and sleeping.
The next morning, Beth had quite a time dressing. Most of Julia's clothes proved a very tight fit.
"I'll have to pretend I'm a young lady. Then I shall not mind if it is tight," Beth said as she struggled into Julia's blue dress.
"It's a little short, but then short dresses are the style now," commented Julia in an effort to be polite.
Immediately after breakfast, the Davenports and the Gordons started over to view the fire. For some reason known only to herself, Beth did not care to go. She even refused to be moved by Julia's entreaties, and insisted that Julia go without her.
Duke remained to keep Beth company. When the two were alone, Beth put her arms around the faithful dog. He looked up into her eyes and whined.
"I believe you know," cried Beth. "Are you afraid of it, too?"
Again Duke whined.
"You do know, Duke." There were tears in Beth's eyes. "If it happens, they'll take you from me. Don't you remember what Mr. Brown said?"