Susy turned on Ruth as though she would like to eat her.
"It is all very fine for you," she said. "Just because you happen to be pretty, they take you up. I wonder one of your fine friends doesn't pay for you, and so save your position out and out."
"I wouldn't allow her to," replied Ruth, her eyes flashing fire. "I had much rather be a foundationer. I mean to prove that I am every bit as good as a paying girl. I mean to make you all respect me, so there!"
"That'll do, Spitfire," said Kate Rourke. "The time is passing, and we must get to the bottom of Susy Hopkins's remarkable address.—What's up, Susy? What's up?"
"This," said Susy. "You know the Irish girl who has come to live with the Tennants?"
"Can't say I do," said Kate.
"Well, you will soon. She's a regular out-and-out beauty."
"I know her," cried Ruth Craven. "She is most lovely."
"She's better," said Susy; "she's bewitching. See; she gave me this." Here she pointed proudly to the Irish dia
mond brooch, which she had stuck in the bosom of her dress. The diamond had been polished, and flashed brightly; the silver setting was also as good as was to be found. The girls crowded round to admire, and "Oh, my!" "Oh, dear!" "Did you ever?" and "Well, I never!" sounded on all sides.