Livingston and the guardians. At times Mrs.
Livingston, close observer that she was, had wondered as to the girl's
real character, but Patricia's sweet smile, easily assumed to fit the
occasion, had on each occasion disarmed the Chief Guardian.
"You must pretend to be very indignant if ever you are called to account,
and I will pretend to be indignant, too. I almost hope she does complain
of us, and she will, too. She is a sneak."
"I don't hope she'll complain of us," cried Cora in alarm. "I know I
should die of mortification."
"You haven't any courage, Cora Kidder," declared Patricia scornfully. "I
see I shall have to look out for both of us, and----"
"No, no," protested Cora. "Tell me what you want me to do. I will do it. I
don't want to be found out for what I already have done and be sent home.
What would I do? Oh, what would I do?"
Patricia gave her a withering glance.
"What you need is backbone. You haven't any more courage than a two-year
old child. What ails you?"
"You say I haven't any courage," answered Cora hotly. "I'll show you
whether I have or not. What do you want me to do?" she demanded,
straightening up to her full height and looking Patricia squarely in the
eyes.
"That's the way to talk, dear," nodded Patricia. "Let's take a walk.
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