nding for all she had. "I often think she would make an
admirable character for a novel. If my talent ran in that direction, I
would certainly put Betty Rice in a book."

"Isn't she related to you?" asked Elizabeth in that innocent way which
springs from the heart of one who has no guile and does not suspect
others.

Landis drew down her eyebrows and pondered as though she were figuring out
just what the relation was. The impression her manner gave to one who was
merely a casual observer was that she deliberated and thought before
speaking in order that her statements might not deviate by a hairbreadth
from justice and truth.

"I was just trying to think if she really were related at all or if we
call her so from mere courtesy. If she be related to us, it is so distant
that I cannot explain it. I fancy we call her so without any blood ties at
all. You know how it is with a family like ours--in fact all English
families of the upper class. We've lived in one place for generations, and
always have played the Lady Bountiful to the poorer folk until they grow
to believe they have a claim upon us. Betty Rice is not the only one of
these hangers-on. But I'm not complaining. She's a good soul and always
does her best. I really have a fondness for her. You can be sure that so
long as I have a home Betty shall have one too."

Min Kean had never talked with Miss Rice or Miss Rice's friends. She
forthwith expressed her admiration of Landis' noble generosity of spirit
and purse.

Elizabeth's lack of experience in meeting with people made her slow to
comprehend and compare. Although she remembered Miss Rice's statements
made the evening of the reception, and now heard those made by Landis, she
did not reach a conclusion in regard to them. It was not until weeks later
that her mind sifted these conflicting ideas, placing and ticketing each
in its proper relation.

"But about the spread! You'll come?"

"It's useless to ask such a question! Of course we'll come. We have never
been known to miss a spread."

The other girls accepted with the same readiness. It was not until Azzie
was reached that any uncertainty arose.

Azzie was at the piano when Elizabeth found her. "It depends," she
replied. "If Smiles will allow me to do overtime this evening, I won't be
able to come. I'll be too tired. If she's cranky and locks up the music
room, I'll come."

"Then I hope she'll be cranky. We want you," was the response.

"I don't. Pro