Shefford imagined from her pallor and the set look of shock upon her face, that the tragedy had affected her more powerfully than it had the other women. When he remembered that she had been more friendly with Fay Larkin than any other neighbor, he made sure he was right in his conjecture.
“Come in,” was Ruth's greeting.
“No. We just wanted to say a word. I noticed you've not been out. Do you know—all about it?”
She gave them a strange glance.
“Any of the women folks been in?” added Joe.
“Hester ran over. She told me through the window. Then I barred my door to keep the other women out.”
“What for?” asked Joe, curiously.
“Please come in,” she said, in reply.
They entered, and she closed the door after them. The change that came over her then was the loosing of restraint.
“Joe—what will they do with Mary?” she queried, tensely.