It seems to me best to speak now before it goes any further." "Alice, dear," remonstrated Mrs.Greggory, extending a frightened hand.
The girl did not turn her head nor hesitate; but she caught the extended hand and held it warmly in both her own, with gentle little pats, while she went on speaking.
"I'm sure mother agrees with me that it is best, for the present, that we keep quite to ourselves.

I cannot question your kindness, of course, after your somewhat unusual favor the other day; but I am very sure that your friends, Miss Peggy, and Miss Mary Jane, have no real desire to make my acquaintance, nor--if you'll pardon me--have I, under the circumstances, any wish to make theirs." "Oh, Alice, Alice," began the little mother, in dismay; but a rippling laugh from their visitor brought an angry flush even to her gentle face.
Billy understood the flush, and struggled for self-control.
"Please--please, forgive me!" she choked.

"But you see--you couldn't, of course, know that Mary Jane and Peggy aren't _girls_.

They're just a man and an automobile!" An unwilling smile trembled on Alice Greggory's lips; but she still stood her ground.
"After all, girls, or men and automobiles, Miss Neilson--it makes little difference.

They're--charity.