That afternoon, as school closed, Anne overheard one of the girls repeating Eleanors words, but they had not lost in the repetition. In fact, Anne was sure Eleanor did not say quite all that she was credited with. On the way to the Studio, therefore, she determined to speak to Eleanor about the matter.
Eleanor, you seemed to make a bushel of friends without any trouble, said Anne.
I always do. Its best to have done with it, and then you can sift out those you dont like, afterward, laughed Eleanor.
How about you, Polly? questioned Anne.
I was too busy with my lessons to bother about anyone, but I thought the girls acted rather queer this afternoon. I caught some of them whispering about me, and some were casting envious glances my way. I cant understand why they should?
Eleanor gasped. Here was a danger she had not thought of. She wouldnt risk Pollys peace or popularity for anything in the world, but she may have unconsciously done just that very thing!
I
heard some of the girls talking of your gold mine and Rainbow Cliffs, and I wondered if you had made such close friends, so soon, ventured Anne, guilefully.
Oh, I did that! Nothing like putting on a lot of dog if you want to make a splash in the puddle, hastily explained Eleanor.
Anne felt like laughing but she hid her face, and Polly turned pale with annoyance.
Why, Nolla! How could you? You know Id rather be considered a nobody than stand in a false light. Now what can I do to clear this up?
It isnt false light at all, Polly. You cant do anything now without making me out a fibber, retorted Eleanor.
You are acting just like your sister Bob might have done! Thats the worst thing I can say to you , scorned Polly.
And I did it all for you, too! whimpered Eleanor.
Didnt I tell you, back at Pebbly Pit, that I wanted to cut my own cloth? For goodness sake, dont interfere in my private life again!
But youve got to let folks know youre someone, or you will never climb to the top of the heap, argued Eleanor, stubbornly.
I have my own method of reaching the top, Eleanor, and it is not that way. I was Polly Brewster before you ever knew me and I am that same Polly Brewster even after having a gold mine and a mile of lava-jewels thrust down my throat. Dont say another word!
Polly turned her back and went to the end seat on the bus, leaving Anne to console poor Eleanor.
Looka here, Anne did I do anything so awful?
You made a serious mistake, Nolla, when you talked to those strange girls about Polly. You tried to make her appear as if she approved of your method of bragging about the mine and money.
W-h-y, I never dreamed of such a thing! I only wanted these New York girls to get it straight from the start that our Polly of Pebbly Pit was some punkins; Eleanor tried to laugh.
And you succeeded in not only humiliating Polly, but me also, because I am responsible for both of you, to a certain degree.
Humiliate Polly and you! gasped Eleanor.
Exactly what you did. I have been placed in command of this little family, and the first day at school, you deliberately thrust yourself forward take my place, so to speak and tell all the strangers there who Polly is, and who you and I are. In fact, you give out information that should come only from me.
Im sorry, but for goodness sake lets drop it, now.
Wed better settle the matter once for all, Nolla, before we drop it. If Polly and you are to continue the wonderful friendship begun this Summer at the ranch, you must never again say, or do anything, that trespasses on her rights. Remember that each one of us has an individual right to impart what we like about our private affairs be it family or fortune. But the moment another speaks for us, then it becomes gossip and scandal on the part of that impertinent one.
I do not propose having my time and thoughts disturbed by any inharmony rising between you two girls, and if another occasion comes up, when Polly and you disagree as you have to-day, Ill wire to your father to come and take you home. If Polly is to blame, then Ill send her home. But, thus far, it is you who trespassed on Pollys rights.
If youll think this over quietly, and without prejudice, Im sure youll agree that I am just and right in my stand.
That evening, Eleanor apologised to Anne and Polly for her thoughtless impulse that day, and fervently prayed that she never be tempted to open her lips again.
It was not Pollys nature to sulk or remember unpleasant episodes, so everything went along smoothly after that first day at school.
Tuesday evening Mr. Fabian called, and was welcomed to his erstwhile fireside. During that visit, it developed that he had accepted an offer which several of his friends had urged upon him. He was to teach, three times a week, a class in art designing at Cooper Union Institute. And before he said good-night to the ladies, it had been suggested and settled, that Polly and Eleanor were to join the evening classes on the three nights a week that their friend taught at the school.