Pagina 228 van 416

Afterward when they had retired to Elsa's pink and gray boudoir,

the eternal envy of Grande Mignon womanhood, the talk flowed

freely.

"It's this way, Elsa," declared ma confidentially. "I think

Nellie is pretty well took care of. Now young Nat Burns, as you

know, is pretty well off, as the sayin' goes on the island. He

really wouldn't have to fish if he didn't want to. His father

didn't neglect him when his time come."

Ma Tanner did not see the change in Elsa's expression. The pupils

of her magnificent black eyes expanded and the delicate brows

drew together over the bridge of her nose. The close mouth, with

its ugly set, would not have been recognized by any but lifelong

friends.