“Oh, we know, Helen dear,” Judith tried to pacify. “And you must not think that because we are Americans, and have been born in these United States, we do not know of the hardships of other countries. And even here, Helen, we girls have plenty of troubles of our own, don’t we, Janie?” “Indeed we do. Last year was not so bad at school, but when I came to Wellington first I was treated exactly like an outcast, except for Judith’s wonderful protection and influence. That is why you must trust us. We are determined you shall not suffer, as even a Western girl was made to. Why, if I had been a real cowboy, with all the trappings, they could not have been more hateful to me at first.” Tactful Jane had hit upon this line of conversation to relieve the more personal trend. But Helen did not quite understand. Was Jane warning her? CHAPTER XI—A STRANGE PREDICAMENT “Our last expedition, girls. Shall we all make it?” “Oh, don’t tell us this is the wind-up of our glorious honeymoon! I feel exactly like a deserted bride. How can we leave it all for old Wellington, Jane?” “Judy, dear, you forget the old saw about the fish that have not yet been caught. And I always thought you such a good sport.” “Janie, I know all that junk about fish. But just look at dear old New York! And see our applied science in exact housekeeping! I——” “You were never exact, Judy. And I couldn’t call that clump of wearables really scientific looking. In fact, I am worried about the expressmen coming in and grabbing up your train togs. Then you would have to go off in the flimsey you wore to the play last night. I fancy it would rather be outre en route.” “Now, Janie, don’t flash anything like that on me, at the moment, I love French in a nice rich translation like Hugo, but the naked truth in French rather frightens me. Make it English. You mean to say it would be outrageous for me to wear a theatre gown while travelling. There, I guessed it first shot. Give me one point.” “Seriously, Judith, the expressmen will be here this morning. You must realize they cannot carry things over their arms.” “Yes, I know. I have always thought it would be lots nicer if they did. It musses things up so to have to pack them. But since my innovation is not yet current, I suppose I shall have to spoil everything by cramming them in their awful little boxes. Jane, did you ever hear of a current innovation?” “Can’t recall that I have, dear. But I know what you mean. Helen, are you going with us on our very last shopping tour?”