Ma and Pa were soberly discussing the news about Buddy, Allegheny was staring in somber meditation at nothing.

The girl was bitter, rebellious, for never had she felt so utterly alone as at this moment.

To that question which monotonously repeated itself, she could form no answer.

Did he care, or was it all pity--just his way?
She heard his name and her own mentioned, and she became attentive.
"What's that?
He wants me to meet these people halfway ?" she inquired.
"What for?
I don't like 'em." "He says you'll git to like 'em, an' they'll git to like you.

He says you're goin' ahead tremendous, and we'll all be proud of you.