“Tavia Travers!” exclaimed the foolish Jean aloud.
“And she is rather dark, roguish, full of mischief, but a dangerous enemy!” This last was said in the most dramatic way, and had the desired effect upon Jean.
“How could she do me harm?” asked the startled girl.
“In many ways. Already she has done you harm by——”
“By what?”
“I cannot tell you all this for nothing. Shebad has to live.”
So interested was the girl that she took out her purse, and handed the woman a silver quarter. The latter fingered it gleefully, and then looked deep into the girl’s dark eyes.
“You are anxious about something.” What news that is to any mortal! “But do not worry. Shebad will watch the ball, and when a danger comes she will let you know in time. The other girl—your best friend—she has short, thick hair” (this was Cecilia). “Why does she not come?”
“We are not allowed to visit your place,” replied Jean. “We would be expelled from school.”
“Bah!” sneered the woman. “That’s all because the white-haired woman wants all your money. She does not want an honest truth-seeker to live. For years she has threatened her girls. But they come, for they know Shebad tells the truth.”