to look after," laughed Ruth. "Why, Helen here, has a father who is very rich. But you couldn't expect him to give up Helen and Tom and take you into his home instead, could you?"
Nita glanced at the dry goods merchant's daughter with more interest for a moment.
"And Heavy's father is awfully rich, too," said Ruth. "But he's got Heavy to support"
"And that's some job," broke in Madge, laughing. "Two such daughters as Heavy would make poor dear Papa Stone a pauper!"
"Well," said Nita, again, "I've talked enough. I won't tell you where I come from. And Nita is my name—now!"
"It is getting late," said Ruth, mildly. "Don't you all think it would be a good plan to go to bed? The wind's gone down some. I guess we can sleep."
"Good advice," agreed Madge Steele. "The boys have been abed some time. To-morrow is another day."
Heavy and she and Mary went off to their room. The others made ready for bed, and the runaway did not say another word to them, but turned her face to the wall and appeared, at least, to be soon asleep.
Ruth crept in beside her so as not to disturb their strange guest. She was a new type of girl to Ruth—and to the others. Her independence
