“So I have,” answered Betty.
“Is it because of that you are unhappy?”
“Yes, because of that—altogether because of that.”
“What have you lost, dear?”
“Mrs. Haddo, I cannot tell you.”
“Betty, I ask you to do so. I have a right to know. I stand to you in the place of a mother. I repeat that I have a right to know.”
“I cannot—I cannot tell you!” replied Betty.
Mrs. Haddo, who had been seated, now rose, went over to the girl, and put one hand on her shoulder.
Betty shivered from head to foot. Then she sprang to her feet and moved a little away. “Don’t!” she said. “When you touch me it is like fire!”