“Thanks a lot, Mart.”
The beautiful Berkshires had slipped away somewhere behind the train, and they were rapidly approaching Albany, when Martha said hesitatingly:
“Since confidences are in order, I suppose I should do my part.”
“Martha! What?” demanded Nancy, excitedly.
“Oh, don’t get your hopes up like that. My news is not nearly so interesting as yours. But you remember, you wondered in Yarmouth when I had bought my amethyst ring?”
“Yes,” said Nancy, “because I thought it odd that you had not mentioned it before.”
“I felt rather queer about it, to tell the truth. The day we sailed, Mr. Pierce and I were strolling about, window shopping, and I foolishly pointed out the ring and said how crazy I was over it. He immediately went into the shop and bought it for me. I absolutely refused to accept such a gift, for I knew that you and Jeanette disapprove of girls taking gifts of any value from men——”
“But Mart,” interrupted Nancy, “what have our opinions got to do with it?”
“Haven’t you been my mentors ever since we started out together in Eastport?” demanded Martha.
“Why, yes, I suppose so; but you certainly must have some ideas of your own on such subjects.”