Cora spoke enthusiastically.
“Are you? How?” asked the other, eagerly.
“I don’t just know how, but I am. First I’m going to think this over, and then I’m going to talk about it with Jack. He has a friend—Ed Foster—who knows something about law. We may be able to get ahead of these land sharks yet.”
“Oh, I hope so!” gasped Freda, with a fond look at Cora. “It is so good of you to bother with poor me.”
“And why shouldn’t I?” asked Cora. “You look as though you needed bothering with. Take care that you don’t break down, too, Freda.”
“I shall keep up. I must, for mother’s sake. Oh, but those men were positively brutal when they told her she had no right to grandfather’s property! But it has done me good to talk to you, Cora dear.”
“I am glad of it. You look better already. Now wouldn’t you like to come forward and meet some of the girls? You know the Robinson twins, anyhow.”
“Yes, I know them. But I don’t want to see anyone just yet. Later on, perhaps. I just want to rest, and think. It was awfully good of you to come to me. We shall see each other at Crystal Bay.”
“Oh, indeed we shall. Well, then, if you won’t come I’ll go back to my friends. Now don’t forget—I’m going to help you, Freda!”
“Oh, that’s so good of you! I feel more hope and courage now. I—I feel like—fighting those land sharks!” and Freda clenched her little hands as though the struggle to come would be a physical one.