say something to make him see how it is, but
I suppose there isn't much use trying.”

Mrs. Lee smiled. “It is to Jack's credit that
he has been attracted to the sort of a girl you
are, Betty. There is certainly no advantage in
being unkind; but you must be firm about such
associations. No, I suppose with his parents'
ideas, his environment and possible heritage, it
would be a difficult thing to pull Jack away
from that sort of thing; and I should not like
to have my daughter run the risk that much as-
sociation there would bring.

“Your father and I felt very indignant at
first. We do yet in a way. But you escaped
harm, providentially. No good will be achieved
by your adding to the gossip that there will
probably be about it. The effect of 'public opin-
ion' is sometimes a deterrent, but in the case
of young people, your father and I always think
private correction is the best. Just keep as still
as you can Betty, and see what happens. Surely
Jack will make some inquiry in regard to how
you got home.”

Betty shook her head doubtfully. “Perhaps
he got to be like the girl the colored maid said
had 'passed out.' I was so scared for a minute,
thinking that she meant really dead! If he did,
he wouldn't know a thing about it. It's very

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