Leslie’s eyes were on Jane Bristol as she moved slowly toward the door, lingering a moment in the hall. None of the other girls seemed to have anything to do with her. With her usual impulsiveness Leslie left Allison, and went swiftly down the aisle till she stood by Jane Bristol’s side.
“We are going to meet my aunt and stay to church. Would you come and sit with us to-night?” she asked eagerly. “I’d like to get acquainted with you.”
Jane Bristol shook her head with a wistful smile.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I wish I could. But I take care of a little girl evenings, and I only get off long enough for Christian Endeavor. It’s dear of you to ask me.”
“Well, you’ll come and see me when I get settled in my new home, won’t you?”
Jane looked at her thoughtfully, and then gave her a beautiful smile in answer to Leslie’s brilliant one.
“Yes, if you find you want me when you get settled, 167 I’ll come,” she answered, and, giving Leslie’s little gloved hand an impulsive squeeze, she said, “Good-night,” and went away.
Leslie looked after her a minute, half understanding, and then turned to find her brother beside her.
“She thinks I won’t want her because she works!” she said. “But I do. I shall.”
“Sure you will, kid,” said her brother. “Just tell Cloudy about her. She’ll fix things. That old party––I mean, the reverend gentleman–––”