Edina was known among the girls as “Billie’s little lamb,” or “Billie’s lion cub.”
If Billie was sensitive to the only partially disguised amusement that followed them wherever they went, Edina was even more so.
She noticed, even before Billie did, that subtle drawing off of the other girls, even from their adored Billie. Edina spoke of this one day, in her clumsy, blundering way.
“You’re gettin’ yourself in a heap of trouble, tryin’ to be nice to me. I seem to make trouble for every one I—like. I’d best go back to Oklahoma to Paw and Maw and leave you in peace.”
“Nonsense!” said Billie, eying her protégé sharply. “You aren’t getting cold feet at this late date, are you?”
“No, I’m willin’ to stick. The girls ain’t been so mean since you’ve been nice to me. I’m gettin’ some book learnin’, too,” the round face shone suddenly with eagerness. “I don’t do so bad in my classes.”
“You are doing splendidly,” Billie encouraged her. “I was speaking to Miss Arbuckle about you yesterday, and she said that if all her students were as eager to learn as you, her task would be much easier. She was as pleased as punch with you, Edina.”
The girl’s face beamed with a sudden radiant happiness.
“That sort of makes up for all the rest,” she said eagerly.