ted something different; a hint of
defiance, or suspicious antagonism.

"It's very possible," she said. "Everything is strange here. I feel
rather lost sometimes and have much to learn."

Sadie studied her closely, and after pondering for a few moments
resumed: "When I was driving over I didn't know how I was going to take
you; in fact, I've been bothering about it for some time. I thought you
might be dangerous."

"You thought I might be dangerous!" Helen exclaimed with rising color.
"Surely you understand--"

"Now you wait a bit and let me finish! Well, I might have come now and
then, found out what I could, and given you a hint or two, until we saw
how things were going to be. But that's not my way, and I reckon it's
not yours. Very well. We have got to have a talk and put the thing
over. To begin with, I somehow feel I can trust you, and needn't be
disturbed."

"Then I'm afraid you are rash," Helen rejoined with a resentment that
was softened by a touch of humor. "You can't form a reliable opinion,
because you don't know me."

"That's so, but I know Bob."

Helen laughed. She ought to be angry, for Mrs. Charnock was taking an
extraordinary line. But perhaps it was the best line, because it would
clear the ground. She said nothing and Sadie went on:

"How do you like it here?"

"Very much. I like the open country and the fresh air. Then I think I
like the people, and one has so much to do that there is not time to
feel moody. It's bracing to find every minute occupied by something
useful."

"If you feel that way about it, you'll make good. And you've got a fine
man for your husband. When Festing first came to the bridge I didn't
know if I'd take him or Bob. In fact, I thought about it for quite a
time."

Helen's eyes sparkled. Mrs. Charnock was going too far, but she
controlled her resentment.

"After all, were you not taking something for granted?"

"Well," said Sadie thoughtfully, "if I'd tried hard, I might have got
Steve then, but I don't know if I'd have been any happier with him. He'd
have gone his own way and taken me along; a good way, perhaps, but it
wouldn't have been mine. Bob's different; sometimes he has to be hustled
and sometimes led, but you get fond of a man you must take care of. Then
everybody likes Bob, and he kind of grows on you. I don't know how it
is, but you can't get mad with him."

Helen thought there was something humiliating to Bob in his wife's
patience, but she was mo