Page:Dave Porter and his Classmates.djvu/313

Rh "She didn't believe that part, but—the letter said something more."

"What?"

"In a postscript was written, 'You are being deceived by him, and he is also deceiving another girl, Vera Rockwell. If you don't believe it, come to Oakdale and find out.

"And that was in a letter sent to Jessie?" Dave began to think rapidly. "Did she get that letter before she came here that other time?"

"Yes,—but she didn't let me know it then."

"And was that why she was so—so put out when she saw me with Vera and Mary and Phil?"

"I suppose so. You must remember, Dave, that Jessie is very sensitive—the loveliest girl I ever met,—and she looks upon you as her dearest friend. Getting that letter and then seeing you with Miss Rockwell"

"But Vera is nothing to me but a friend, Laura. Why, Roger thinks ten times more of her than I do. Just go and pump him about it. Why, to me Jessie is worth more than—than—anybody, outside of my sister, and you must let her know it, Laura." Dave paused. "That letter—has Jessie got it yet?"

"Yes. She was going to burn it up after she showed it to me, but I told her not to do it, and I made her bring it along. Of course, she feels a delicacy about showing it to you—on account of