The others followed Molly’s example, and they all shook hands. Then Fräulein turned to Ada.
“Will you not bid me good-bye?” she said. “I know you have never liked me, but may we not part friends?”
“Good-bye, Fräulein,” said Ada, coldly. “I am sorry you think I have never liked you. I have always tried to be polite.”
“Actions speak louder than words,” quoted Fräulein, and without another word, she turned to leave the room.
“I’ll come and help you pack,” said Gretel, and, with a reproachful glance at Ada, she followed the German woman from the room.
“Well, of all the disagreeable, impertinent people!” burst out Ada, as the door closed behind them. “To tell me I never liked her! It’s quite true, of course, but I didn’t suppose she knew it.”
“I don’t see how she could have helped knowing it,” said Geraldine, bluntly. “I think you might have been polite enough to stand up and shake hands. None of us cares much about her, but it isn’t necessary to be rude.”
Ada reddened, and bit her lip.
“I don’t care how rude I am to a German,” she said. “I hate them all, and all loyal Americans ought to hate them. Think of Belgium and the Lusitania. I’m not like your friend Gretel Schiller.”
Geraldine sprang to her feet; her eyes were flashing.