“You ‘hate water-works,’” said Virgie, laughing through her tears.
“Sometimes they are a ‘necessary evil,’” replied Isabel, with a broad smile.
“I did cry it out one night,” said Virgie, “but always when I’ve started to say anything I’d get choked up. Now that you have spoken about it, though, perhaps I can get through telling you about it.”
Isabel’s imagination was working, trying to think of what could have happened, when Virgie continued, “You know that letter I got from Father——”
“I supposed it was from him. I saw it lying on the dresser and after you read it you were upset.”
“Well, to make a long story short, Father can’t afford to keep me in school any longer and I’ve got—to go—home!”
“Mercy sakes!” said Isabel, “that is a blow! But it’s better than a death in the family.”
“Oh, yes; I never even thought of that as a consolation. Of course it’s better than losing Father, but sometimes I feel that I can’t go back to the ranch with my stepmother there. It isn’t that she is a stepmother. I’m not so silly as that. There are lots of good ones, but I guess my father didn’t know much about her when he married her and she isn’t good for any girl to be with. I’d know better how to meet it now, but it will be hard. Why, I’d rather just wash dishes at Greycliff than go to live with her!”
“Maybe you can.”
“Can—what?”