"I can't but wonder that such a sensible girl as you seem to be, can be so fond of a girl so different from you in every way," remarked Mrs. Brewster, looking Anne in the eyes. Anne flushed. "When you know her as I do, you will see that she really is not snobbish, but only assumes it. As I said, she is the result of silly training by a society mother. I have seen the genuine nature buried by habits and I am willing to help her bring it out to establish it permanently. Nolla will develop herself, if she is allowed to express herself without constant ridicule or reprimands. This summer ought to do wonders for both those girls." Mrs. Brewster showed her approval by nodding her head affirmatively at Anne. "You had ample time to study the two girls last winter when they were in Denver, I suppose," suggested Mrs. Brewster. "Yes, I was with them most of the time, and the result of the erroneous influence over Bob was always noticeable after a short visit from Mrs. Maynard. She only visited her daughters twice in the eight months, but it was generally so unpleasant a time for every one, that we were relieved that she had too many social engagements to come oftener." Anne bent down to tuck in the sheets as she spoke so frankly concerning her friends' mother. "But I must not disparage Mrs. Maynard in your eyes--you may find in her many fine qualities that have been hidden from me," quickly added Anne, fearing she had given her hostess a wrong idea. "Perhaps they are hidden very deep." Anne laughed. "Mr. Maynard is just splendid. He is so _human! He_ must have found the good qualities in his wife, and she, doubtless, permitted herself to be misled by vain aspirations to reach a social height offered by her husband's success in business." "Love is blind, Anne. When a man fancies himself in love with a pretty girl, he seldom seeks for lasting qualities or a strong character. He accepts the transitory beauty as the real thing and wakes up, too late, to find he entertained a dream." "I think you and I feel alike in this problem; my friends laugh at my--what they call--unreasonable opinions on marriage," said Anne, eagerly inviting a discussion with Mrs. Brewster. "Some other day, Anne. We still have the task before us of acclimating the city girls," laughed Mrs. Brewster, taking Anne by the arm and leading her from the room. CHAPTER VIII ACCLIMATING THE CITY GIRLS "Waiting for me, girls?" called Anne, joining her friends. "We just got back from the barn," said Eleanor, showing the habits which she had over her arms. "Well, take them to the room and change your shoes. We must wear flat-heeled boots for walking about this place, you know," returned Anne, noting that Eleanor carried both habits--doing her sister's work for her, as usual. "Good gracious! I forgot to unpack the walking shoes. Won't these Cuban heels answer?" cried Barbara, impatiently. "They might answer for a twisted ankle," laughed Anne.