“Oh, no,” said Winona, wondering what next.
“I thought as much,” said the old lady. “You don’t look like sisters. You’re naturally of a better class than she is. Now, supposing that someone who could do a good deal for you took you and had you educated, do you think you would be a good girl and do them credit?”
Winona did not know in the least what to say. It looked as if the old lady intended to adopt her before she could escape.
“It would be awfully nice,” she said, uncomfortably, “and very kind. But—indeed, I couldn’t!”
The old lady had begun to speak again, when a clatter of hasty feet on the steps behind them made her and Winona both turn around and look.
“WILLIAM!” SAID HIS AUNT, “DO YOU KNOW THIS—THIS YOUNG PERSON?”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
It was only a tall boy in the uniform of the Boy Scouts who was tearing up the steps. But both the old lady and Winona uttered a faint squeal, the old lady because he kissed her, and Winona because she recognized the newcomer. It was Billy Lee, and he was evidently a relative of Winona’s would-be benefactress.