"You haven't the slightest idea what it is? You couldn't even guess?"
"I'll tell you, then." The plump Annie was bubbling like a child before a well-filled Christmas stocking. "It's Jack: he's coming this very day. A big, fierce Indian brought the letter this morning." She sat down tailor fashion on the end of the bunk. "He nearly ate up Susie--Jack christened her Susie because she's a Sioux--because she wouldn't let him put the letter right into my own hand. That's why I'm up so early."
She looked slyly at the woman on the bed.
"Who do you suppose is coming with him?" she asked.
"I'm sure I don't know," in a tone of not caring, either.
"Of course--Steve. You knew all the time, only you wouldn't admit it. Oh, I'm so glad! I want to hug some one. Isn't it fine?"
"Yes, fine indeed. But you don't mean that you want to hug Steve?"
"No, goose. You know I meant Jack; but I--" She regarded her friend doubtfully. But Mollie Babcock was dressing rapidly, and her face was averted.
"And Mollie, I didn't tell you all--almost the best. We're going home, Jack says; going right away; this very week, maybe."
For a moment the dressing halted. "I am very glad--for you," said Mollie, in an even voice.
"Glad, for me!" mimickingly, baitingly. "Mollie Babcock, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were envious."
"Or weren't glad your husband is coming."
"Or--or--Mollie, what have I done?" Annie cried in dismay. "Don't cry so; I was only joking. Of course you know that I didn't mean that you envied our good luck, or that you wouldn't be crazy to see Steve."
"Mollie!" Mrs. Warren was aghast. "Forgive me! I'm ashamed of myself!"
"Please don't." The two were very close, very tense, but not touching. "Don't say any more. I didn't hear--"
"You did hear. And you suspected, or you wouldn't have suggested!"
Of a sudden the older woman faced about. Seizing the other by the shoulders, she held her prisoner. She fixed the frightened woman's eyes with a stern look.
"Will you swear that you never knew--that it was mere chance--what you said?"
"You swear you didn't?"--the grip tightened--"you swear it?"
"I believe you"--wearily. "It seemed that everybody knew. God help me!" She sank to the bed, her face in her hands. "I believe I'm going mad!"