At first her laugh was pathetically near to tears, but the moment of doubt passed, and the whole humor of the situation took hold of her. She hurried on home, laughing as she went; and, desperately near hysterics, she at last burst into her sister’s presence.
Kate was on her feet in an instant.
“Oh, Kate,” she cried, with a wild sort of laughter. “Behold the man hunter—hunted!” Then she flung herself into a chair, gasping for breath.
Kate’s anxious eyes took in something of the situation at a glance.
“Stop that laughing,” she cried severely.
Helen’s laugh died out, and she sighed deeply. The next moment she stood up, and began to smooth out her tattered frock.
“I’m—all right now—Kate,” she said almost humbly. “But——”
Again Kate took charge of the situation.
“Go and change your frock before you tell me anything,” she said decidedly.
Helen was about to protest, but the quiet command of her sister had its effect. She moved toward the door, and Kate’s serious tones further composed her.