Betty looked wistfully after the retreating figure. “I would rather have left college than had her say that. It doesn’t seem fair—after everything.”
“Serves me right, anyhow,” broke in Madeline despondently. “I was dreaming about castles in Italy instead of tackling the business in hand. If I had thought more I should have known that some freak would seize the opportunity to rake up old scores. Don’t feel so bad, Betty. It was my fault, and I’ll make it up to her somehow. Come and help me tell Christy that she’s a trump, and that I truly wanted her, next to Eleanor.”
When they had pushed their way through to Christy’s side, Eleanor, still white but smiling bravely, was shaking hands. “It was awfully good of you not to mind the little awkwardness,” she was saying. “The girls always want you—you know that.” She turned to find Betty standing beside her, looking as if her heart was broken.
“Why, Betty Wales,” she laughed, “cheer up. You’ve made the speech of the day, and three of your best friends are waiting to be congratulated. Tell Christy how pleased you are that she’s toastmistress and then come down town with me.”
Once out of the crowded room Eleanor grew silent, and Betty, too hurt and angry to know what to offer in the way of comfort, left her to her own thoughts. They had crossed the campus and were half way down the hill when Eleanor spoke.
“Betty,” she said, “please don’t care so. If you are going to feel this way, I don’t think I can bear it.”
Betty stared at her in astonishment. “Why Eleanor, it’s you that I care about. I can’t bear to have you treated so.”
Eleanor smiled sadly. “And can’t you see—no, of course you can’t, for you never did a mean or dishonorable thing in your life. If you had, you would know that the worst part of the disgrace, is that you have to share it with your friends. I don’t mind for myself, because what Miss Harrison said is true.”
“No, it’s not,” cried Betty hotly. “Not another girl in the whole class feels so.”
“That,” Eleanor went on, “is only because they are kind enough to be willing to forget. But to drag you in, and dear old Madeline, and all ‘The Merry Hearts’! You’ll be sorry you ever took me in.”