Jeanette glanced toward her stepmother.
Jack smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I am going East to school; I have been intending to tell you, but wanted to be sure. You must not think we are ungrateful to you, but Jack, I mean my stepmother—we never have known what to call her—is to pay my expenses. She and father and I have decided this is wisest."
Jeanette glanced at the older woman and a smile of understanding passed between them.
"The truth is, Mrs. Perry, now I have learned to like my stepmother better, I am not half so anxious to leave home. I know I shall be dreadfully homesick, and yet I must not back down at this late date."
Mrs. Perry glanced from the one face to the other.
"Yes, I am glad for your sakes. I have realized that the night of the fire burned the barrier that stood between you. But I am sorry, Jeanette, I shall never have the same share in you. Still, you are to allow me to look after you in the East and spend your holidays with me whenever you are unable to return home.
"I wonder if any one has ever said you and Jeanette were alike?" Mrs. Perry suddenly inquired, turning from the girl to the woman.
They laughed in unison.
"Poor Jeanette," Mrs. Colter murmured.