“I don’t want to sit down,” said Jinnie, very much offended. “I’m going! I’m sorry you think Lafe––”
Molly rose too. Impetuously she held out her hand.
“I really shouldn’t have spoken that way, because I don’t know a thing about it.”
Jinnie relented a little, but not enough to sit down. She was too deeply hurt to accept Molly’s hospitality further.
“And we musn’t quarrel, child,” decided the woman. “Now won’t you reconsider my proposition? I should love to do something for you.”
Resolutely the dark curls shook in refusal.
“I’m going to stay with Peggy till Lafe gets out, and then when I’m eighteen I’m going to school. I’ve been studying a lot since I left Mottville.... Why sometimes––” she resumed eagerly, “when we haven’t had enough to eat, Lafe’s made me buy a book to study out of, and I promised him I’d stay with his family till he came back. And––” she walked to the edge of the porch, turning suddenly, “and he’s coming back, all right,” she ended, going down the stairs.
Molly watched the slim young figure swing out to the road. The girl didn’t look around, and the woman waited until she had disappeared through the gate.
“He’ll not get out, and you, you little upstart,” she gritted, “you’ll not stay in Paradise Road, either.”