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84 lets him find her stirring things in a big pot on the kitchen stove? Oh, she 's no fool, my dear! Will you go and see her?"

"I 'd rather not."

"Very well, then; if you care so little for John, you need n't go. I 'll do it myself, and I can tell you, I 'll size her up."

Letitia looked uneasy. She knew nothing of Miss Reed except that she was poor and pretty. But she did not like the thought of subjecting even an unknown female to Mrs. Gault's mercies, when her interest was so evidently hostile and her curiosity so poignant.

"If you think somebody must go, then I will," she said pacifically. "I don't see the use of it, but I can go better than you."

"All right," said Mrs. Gault, immediately placated. "You 'd better go now. It 's always best to do a thing when you have the opportunity."

"No," said Letitia; "I don't think I 'll do that."

"Why not? Is it possible you 're so crazy to see that miserable little prince that I could put in my hat-box?"

"I don't care about him," answered the girl, with unmoved placidity. "I don't like to go—to go this way." She made an explanatory gesture toward her dress.

Mrs. Gault looked at her uncomprehendingly.