"So I have heard," said the man, rather dryly.
Nancy Ellen resented his tone.
"Would you like us better if we were?"
"I couldn't like you better than I do, but because of what I have heard and seen, it naturally makes me wonder what could have happened that has made her cry."
"We are rather outspoken, and not at all secretive," said Nancy Ellen, carelessly, "you will soon know."
Kate followed the walk around the house and entered at the side door, finding her father and mother in the dining room reading the weekly papers. Her mother glanced up as she entered.
"What did you bring Agatha's telescope back with you for?" she instantly demanded.
For a second Kate hesitated. It had to come, she might as well get it over. Possibly it would be easier with them alone than if Nancy Ellen were present.
"It is mine," she said. "It represents my first purchase on my own hook and line."
"You are not very choicy to begin on second-hand stuff. Nancy Ellen would have had a new one."