"And I care for Lucy Sharp"; "And I am devoted to Amelia Dawson," said other members of the Cabinet.
Nevertheless Kathleen was firm.
"The rule must be held," she said. "In a society like ours there are always rules which are not quite agreeable to every one. My principal object in starting this society is to put those horrid paying girls in their proper places. There must not be friendship—not real friendship, I mean—between us and them."
"You are a paying girl yourself," suddenly exclaimed Mary Rand.
"I know. I wish I were not, but I can't help myself. You must allow me to stand alone; I am your queen."
"That you are, and I love you," said Mary.
"This rule must hold good," repeated Kathleen. "I must insist on my society adhering to it.—Ruth Craven, why are you silent?"
"Because I earnestly wish I had not joined. I cannot give up Cassandra, nor Alice, nor—nor other girls."
"Nonsense, Ruth! You dare not fail me now," said
Kathleen, with enthusiasm. "I will make it up to you. You shall come with me to Ireland in the summer. You shall. Oh Ruth, don't fail me!"