Her friend Emily's congratulations were something on the same order, though more frankly expressed. There was a wholesome attitude of frankness always between the two girls.
"I think it's dear of you, Joan," she exclaimed, "and so brave!"
"Just why 'brave'?"
Emily answered, despite embarrassment, "Why, to marry a man without antecedents, without position, and without money, seems to me very brave. I know I should never have the courage to do it, even if I cared for him. In fact, I should be mighty careful not to care for him!—But then I've never had your spirit of independence."
"Perhaps because you've more to lose," said Joan quietly. "If either of us is brave, I think it's poor Archie."
She often thought of her lover so; tenderly, even lovingly, but as "Poor Archie!..."
Effie May was the only one of Joan's immediate environment who seemed to look with any doubts upon a situation she herself had largely brought to pass.
"Look here, girlie," she said once abruptly. "You don't love that boy. At least you ain't in love with him—and there's a difference. Why do you do it, anyhow?"
Joan, taken by surprise, was not immediately ready with her reply.
"Is it because you want to get away from me?" asked the other.