human
Come in, girls, I've just been telling Mother all about Margaret. I always tell her everything, you know, and she has just asked if Margaret ever made any statements at variance with the real truth about herself. It is no disgrace to be poor, and I hope that we are not snobs enough to care for that part of it; but has she been trying to pass herself off for something that she is not?
gpt
I never saw much of Miss Hamilton, and so I do not know what she is in the habit of saying about herself. The only time that I ever heard her mention the past, was when Miss Raymond asked her where she lived. She replied that her home had been in Chicago, but that death had broken it up. There was nothing more said.
human
Very possibly all of that was strictly true, Mrs. Alden said thoughtfully,
gpt
And you think--
human
I do not know your friend, or perhaps I should say your classmate, as I see Miss Newby frowning over the word 'friend' so it is not easy for me to draw conclusions, but if she has merely kept still, and been reticent on her past life, I do not see that she is open to censure. Of course, if she has been pretending to be what she is not, that is a totally different affair.
gpt
She has always been very careful, Mrs. Alden, to say as little as possible about herself. I noticed it, and commented on the fact to Dolly, but I do not imagine that anyone else noticed it. As far as my observation has gone, she has told no untruths. But she certainly did seem accustomed to all the little luxuries that rich people have. One could notice it at table and in a hundred little ways.
human
Doubtless she was accustomed to many of those things, if her mother was housekeeper for Mr. Worthington. He was one of the richest men in the West, and Miss Hamilton would have had an opportunity in his house, if she were at all adaptable, of becoming thoroughly familiar with all such little niceties. Even at the housekeeper's table there was certainly plenty of opportunity for Miss Hamilton to grow perfectly familiar with the ways of the rich.
gpt
But where is her mother, and where did her money come from?
human
Those are questions that we can't answer, so we might as well drop them. I wonder where she was going?
gpt
Oh, didn't you know? Helen Raymond asked her to spend the Thanksgiving vacation at her home.
human
Girls, if I were you, I should not mention this subject at school. Miss Hamilton is your class president, she will be your president for a year to come. You want everything smooth and harmonious, don't you?
gpt
Of course we do, Mrs. Alden, and we will keep perfectly mum, but if Dolly had only been sensible and voted for herself, there would not be any such situation as there is at present.
human
Beth never will learn to recognize some facts; now, for instance, that subject was finally settled long, long ago.
gpt
I don't see--
human
You girls must all get to bed and to sleep as soon as possible. The boys have plans for every moment of the day, and you will want to feel fresh tomorrow. Dolly, you may come over to my room for just a few minutes.