"Then why not do it without her knowledge? It is surely the lesser evil. I will do it, if you feel she might particularly blame you. She never would suspect me of having sense enough to understand."
"Oh, thanks, Judy. But what is to be done I shall do. But to advertise Helen as the special attraction in the face of all this?"
"Exactly. That would make a tremendous hit." And Judith fairly blazed under the unfolding plan. "Don't you see, Janey, if we say she will be the star--the artist--the mad hatter or whatever else is her act, and if half of the crowd have heard all these ridiculous rumors, they will want to come to see--how wonderfully she does it."
Once started on the new plan Judith roared on like a car with disabled brakes. She simply could not quiet down. Jane shook her brilliant head all in vain. Judith was wildly enthused. The prospect of such a sensation as the freshman's play with the "real thing" in it, was too good to pass by.
"And then we will have a wonderful chance to prove what a good little scout Helen really is," she finally decided to reach a period for breath.
"But, Judith. To exploit little Helen. Don't you see how cruel it would be?"
"Why, no, goosey, I do not. I think it would be more cruel to let her go on here, under this cloud, when such a whirlwind will blow it to the four corners, and evaporate it entirely. We have got to help her. You have said that yourself."
"Yes, I know, Judith. But it does seem to me--Oh, dear! Such a foolish snarl. And to think it is making the best little girl in Wellington miserable."
"Not the very best. Here is one pretty good!" And Judith risked the ankle in a loving limp over to Jane. "Lovey girl! I have not the slightest doubt but you will make a glorious halo out of the seeming smoky cloud. I can just about see Helen shining before this term is over."
"It is good of you to say so, Judith. You are my Guardian Angel, and always have the right sort of cheer in stock. What troubles me most just now is my own weak mind. I cannot make it up. I want to help the freshmen, of course, and I want to help Helen! How to do both with the one stone----"