Indeed, she managed to treat the situation as being wholly impersonal; while at the same time the man was never for a moment made to feel that she was lacking in sincere and genuine sympathy.

Only when he told her that his name was Brian Kent, and mentioned the Empire Consolidated Savings Bank, did she for the moment betray excited surprise.

When she saw that he had noticed, she said quickly: "I read of the affair in the papers, of course." Auntie Sue had indeed taken a big chance when she decided for Betty Jo to come to help Brian with his book.

But Auntie Sue had taken no chance on Betty Jo herself.

Perhaps it was, in fact, the dear old teacher's certainty about Betty Jo herself that had led her to accept the risk of sending for the niece of her friend and pupil under such a peculiar combination of circumstances.
When Brian had finished his story with the account of his discovery of the distressing fact that he had robbed Auntie Sue and that she knew he had robbed her, Betty Jo said: "It is really a sad story, isn't it, Mr.
Burns?
But, oh, isn't Auntie Sue wonderful! Was there ever such another woman in the world! Don't you love her?
And couldn't you do anything--anything that would make her happy?
After all, when you think of Auntie Sue, and how wonderful she has been, this whole thing isn't so bad, is it ?" "Why, I--I--don't think I see what you mean," Brian replied, puzzled by the unexpected turn she had given to the situation, yet convinced by that little question with which she finished that she was somehow right.
"Well, I mean wouldn't YOU love to do for some one what Auntie Sue has done for you?
I should if I were only big enough and good enough.
It seems to me it would make one the happiest and contentedest and peacefulest person in the world, wouldn't it ?" Brian did not answer.