Jane eyed her for an interval then said:
"You and I are the only women for miles about in this country. We are near neighbors as neighbors go in the mountains; do you think this is the best way to start in being friends?"
"Who said anything about bein' friends?"
"I want to be your friend." The sincerity of this balked the girl and her eyes became puzzled. "I want to be your friend and want you for my friend. We can help each other in a good many ways."
"I don't recollect askin' for your help."
"No, but I want to give it to you and I want to ask yours in return. We are here in a big country. We are all dependent to an extent on those about us. None of us can get along so well alone as we can by working together."
"Like turnin' folks out in the rain at night, for instance?"
Jane's cheeks flamed.
"I don't understand," she said.
"Think it over an' maybe you will!"