CHAPTER VII BRONCHO BILLY
“But it isn’t like you to mope, Gloria,” reasoned Trixy, with a suspicion of reproof.
“I know, Trix, but I just feel I am—country!”
“If you mean natural, I’ll agree. The city has a knack of artifice. But why you should let a word from that feather brain, Jean, so affect you?”
“It wasn’t that alone. I’ve felt ever since I came that Hazel had branded me as the poor relation, the little orphan Annie——”
“Oh, Hazel isn’t really mean——”
“No, but she’s so high and mighty that her very compliments sting,” argued the miserable Gloria. “Truly, Trix, I don’t care a rap for myself, but I’ve been selfish about you. They didn’t ask you to ride yesterday, I noticed.”
“I had a glorious canter before their old horses were out of the stalls,” flung back Trixy. “I hate rid
