But she checked herself the next moment and gave Betty a cordial greeting. "Why, Betty, I did not expect to see you out this morning."
"And I am not sure that I ought to be out," replied Betty: "but the morning seemed so pleasant that I could not bear to stay in the house, so I went round to the Home for a little while. Have you been to see your aunt?"
Martha explained her errand.
"It must be nice to have an old lady of one's own to go and see!" said Betty. "I wish you would take me to visit your aunt some day, Martha. Do you think she would like to see me?"
The old feeling of jealousy rose in Martha's heart, but she put it down by a brave effort, and answered cheerfully:
"I am sure she would like it very much. She is always fond of young people. I think you must be fond of old people, Betty, you go to the Home so much."
"I am," replied Betty. "I do love to hear the old ladies talk. One learns so much from them. It must be strange," she added, thoughtfully, "to look back upon such a long life."
"We shall know how it seems some time," observed Martha, "that is, if we live."
"I shall not," said Betty, abruptly. "I shall never live to be old."
"How do you know?" asked Martha.