“Couldn’t thee write thy father, then?”

“Well, it would be easier,” she admitted. “Wally is a good sort, and understands more.”

“Write to him then. That will do, I’m sure.”

“All right. But nobody writes me letters. I never get any.”

“To whom does thee write in the letter hour, my dear?”

Isabelle was on her guard at once.

“Oh, to somebody I like.”

“Some friend of thine?”

“Um—yes.”

“Couldn’t thee tell me about this friend? Mr. Benjamin and I are especially interested in the friends of our girls. I have never seen thee post thy letters.”