"I'm glad, madam, you don't share his sentiments," said the younger.
"You must not mind Bud," Venna returned laughing. "He is my chief protector. Now, Bud, if I told you I knew one of these young men and respected him greatly, what would you do?"
Bud's eyes grew round with wonder and Bessie looked up in astonishment.
The young men watched Venna keenly, surprised at this method of subduing Bud.
Bud's voice was rather reluctantly hesitating.
"Spose, Missus Hadly, if they was yer friends they'd ha' ter be alrighty!"
Bessie rose rather hurriedly, anxious not to offend her new friend, but more anxious to feel sure she was out of danger.
"I'll have to hurry on to rehearsal now. I'll see you to-night," and with a timid glance at the two intruders she said a hurried good-bye and was gone.
"Now Bud, dear, you run on, too," said Venna kindly. "I want to talk to my friends alone awhile—friends—you understand. Bud? Don't forget—friends."
Bud's round face rippled into a broad grin.