“It is so like the usual silly yarn, with the prospect of some similar spectacular and impossible ending,” replied Trixy, “that really, Glo, I could hardly work up interest in it. Can you?”
“Of course not,” agreed Gloria promptly, “I’m not interested in the treasure hunt, but in Jack’s predicament. She’s a real little brick, Trixy. You should hear her stand up for this queer installment plan mother. I hope the ogress won’t eat me up over the wire.”
“Doesn’t the treasure hunt sound a little like the Pirate’s Daughter?” Trixy said, quizzically.
“Oh, I thought of that, and made more than one leading remark in its direction,” admitted Gloria, “but I couldn’t catch even a glimmer of suspicion. Not that I would disturb Jack about it now, but I can’t help wanting to know who bestowed the black necklace upon me. I almost took the token in to our village jeweler for his opinion yesterday. But that must all wait now. Don’t you really feel sorry for proud, high-strung Jack, Trix? I think I would feel exactly like her if I had to hide the weakness of some one I loved. I couldn’t let others see it to scoff.” The black eyes threw out threatening gleams and vouched promptly for the girl’s loyalty to a friend in need.
“Yes, it is hard for Jack to manage that sort of person. I would rather do most anything than try to cover up relatives’ shortcomings. They always crop out and spoil everything at the critical time,” said Trixy.
“Yes.” Gloria paused reflectively. Her father was a gentleman, always, Aunt Harriet, Hazel’s mother was old fashioned but naturally polite, even Jane, though no relative and really only a nurse, was instinctively considerate. “Yes, it must be humiliating for a girl to have to fight vulgarity,” Gloria concluded.
“And you know, Trix,” she continued, “Jack just jokes about her money. Says it is all done up in little prize packages so that she can use a week’s or month’s supply without counting it. Isn’t that like Jack?”
“Exactly. But here we are. I’ll wait for you at the soda counter. I want the joy of a soda undisturbed. I may have another with you while you swallow your favorite lime.”
“Oh, there’s Blanche, and Edna,” Gloria grumbled, catching sight of a group of girls within the store.
“And worse yet, there’s Jean. However did they all get out here so early?”