"I don't care to be patronized and petted, but secretly held at arms' length because I am a professional player.

If the girls find out that I played Rosalind in Mr.Southard's company I'll never hear the last of it." In her anxiety Anne's voice rose above its customary low key.

In fact, all three had been talking rather loudly, and the entire conversation had been carried straight to the ears of the girl who stood outside the almost closed door.

Elfreda had come across the hall to hear the details of the proposed visit, but had remained outside the door transfixed at what she heard.

Then she found her voice.
"So that's your idea of true friendship, is it ?" demanded an angry, choking voice that caused the surprised young women to start and look toward the door.