"Looks like the house, don't it? Down at the heel and shabby. Say, have they got much money, after all—them Balls? You're a neighbor, I suppose? You must know 'em well."
"I live here," said the other girl rather sternly.
"Huh? You mean around here?"
"I live here with Cap'n Ira and Mrs, Ball," was the further explanation.
"You do? You?"
Her voice suddenly became shrill. It rose half an octave with surprise. Her gaze, which had merely been insolent, now became suspicious. She scrutinized Sheila closely.
"I didn't know the Balls had anybody living with 'em," she resumed at length. "You ain't been here long, have you?"
"Oh, for some time," was the cheerful rejoinder.
"They hire you?"
"Not—not exactly. You see, I am sort of related to them, too."