“And that is exactly what I want,” said Marion, laughing, “for as soon as they think he is dead, they’ll stop looking for him.”
“You are the cleverest girl in the world,” said Dollie, as she addressed the envelope.
She had become quite proficient now on her typewriter.
“I wish I was clever enough to get work,” was her sister’s answer as she inserted some newspaper clippings about the dead boy in the envelope, “but I shall very soon, for I am getting desperate.”
As the girls were planning what to do next Mrs. Haley came in. She was as pleasant as usual, but Marion could see that something was troubling her. After kissing the girls tenderly, she sat down by Dollie, who was not quite well yet, but slowly convalescing.
Marion had felt a little embarrassed in Mrs. Haley’s company of late, for she knew that her friend must wonder where she got her money to go on paying her rent and to employ a physician for Dollie.
But her promise to Ralph had been sacredly kept, and Mrs. Haley was far too courteous to ask any questions.
To-day even Dollie felt a little ill at ease, for Mrs. Haley, in spite of her kindness, did not look exactly natural.
“What is troubling you, Mrs. Haley?” asked Marion, at last. “You look so worried and pale. Has anything happened?”