“Did Rosie ever speak of a brother, or cousin,
or any relative at all?” asked Betty.

“Never a word about any one. I never knew
anybody as close-mouthed as Rosie. She was
asked all sorts of questions by the folks around
here, of course, but she never let them get well
enough acquainted to keep it up. I didn't need
but a hint myself. I let folks tell what they
want to. I like to keep my own business to
myself if I can with all these!” Mrs. Woods
nodded at the children as she spoke.

“I wish I'd seen Rosie,” thoughtfully said
Betty. But it was time to say good-bye and go
on to the next duty or pleasure; for this had
been a very “Christmasy” day, the girls de-
clared. There had been the last rehearsal for
the Christmas play, when the performers were
“actually” excused from classes if they had any
the “last two bells” or periods. Tomorrow
morning the play would be given in two
assembly gatherings, in order that the whole
school might see it. And that night would listen
to the carols.

“Why did you ask about Rosie Sevilla's rela-
tives?” asked Kathryn of Betty, and Betty for
the first time told about the name on the letter
from Ramon.

“It may not mean anything and again it

[[135]]

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