"I'm sure I do not know," replied her mother, generally, and picked up her coverless magazine.
Angela fidgeted at the window, drumming on the dripping pane. Presently she said:—
"Oh, mother! Why couldn't you or father have some relations that would help us! We're the only family I ever heard of that hasn't a single rich relation!"
Her mother, not looking up, mentioned complainingly the branch of her family to which she always referred in such discussions.
"Much good the Ashburtons have done us!" said Angela truly, and also as usual. "When they think we're not good enough to speak to. I have nobody to help me but myself."
It was as if the girl was herself struck with the truth of her own observation. Her gaze out the window became thoughtful, and then intent. Suddenly, without more speech, she left the window and the room.
In the hall there came an interruption. An untutored voice bawled up, without the slightest preamble:—
"Sugar hasn't came!"
"All right," responded the young housekeeper, after a short annoyed pause.
And then, returning to her own room, she thought: "If I telephone from Mrs. Doremus's now, it'll be too late for supper. I'll have to ask Wallie—just to step around ..."