“It isn’t the world I wanted,” replied Judith, impatiently.
When Judith went away Jean walked down the street with her. “Are you disappointed in Mrs. Lane?” she asked.
“She did not tell me what I hoped and expected. She told me something better. I think I can study at Aunt Affy’s,” in the tone of one having made a sacrifice.
“And go to the parsonage every day,” said Jean eagerly, and yet afraid of pressing her point.
“Yes—if I wish to,” replied Judith slowly, surprising herself by coming to a decision.
“Bensalem is such a place for talk,” Jean ventured, not that she was confident of success. “Everybody knows everybody’s business and is interested in it.”
“But it is kindly talk,” said Judith, whom gossip had touched lightly.
“Yes, sometimes—not always,” Jean hesitated; “people will misjudge.”
“Jean Draper, what do you mean?” asked Judith, blazing angrily; “are you trying to tell me something?”
“No,” replied Jean, startled at Judith’s unusual vehemence. “I only want you to understand that Aunt Affy is talked about for letting you stay so much at the parsonage.”