"You haven't been quarreling with Floyd?"
"Nope, Sister Ann; Flukey and me never have words."
"I should hope not," Ann replied sincerely; "but, Fledra dear, when I speak to you, please look at me."
With a shake of the black curls, Fledra lifted her face.
"Tell me what is the matter with you," said Ann.
A glint of steel shown in the gray eyes. Flea's lips opened to speak, and for one moment Ann's happiness was threatened with destruction. The girl was on the point of telling her about Everett—then Brimbecomb's voice rang out from the reception-room.
"Ann, dear! Aren't you ever coming?"
Fledra noticed Miss Shellington's face change as if by magic, and saw a lovelight grow in her eyes.
In silence, she received Ann's sorrowful kiss.
"Little sister, I really wasn't scolding you. I was only thinking of how careful we have to be of Floyd. I—I wish you would be kind to me!"