CHAPTER IX JOSIE INVESTIGATES 

"Well, what luck?" asked Mary Louise, as she came into Josie's room while her friend was dressing for dinner. 

"Not much," was the reply. "I'm not at all sure, Mary Louise, that this chase will amount to anything. But it will afford me practice in judging human nature, if nothing else comes of it, so I'm not at all sorry you put me on the trail. When are we to see Ingua again?" 

"To-morrow afternoon. She's coming to tea in the pavilion." 

"That's good. Let me see all of her you can. She's an original, that child, and I'm going to like her. Our natures are a good deal alike." 

"Oh, Josie!" 

"That's a fact. We're both proud, resentful, reckless and affectionate. We hate our enemies and love our friends. We're rebellious, at times, and not afraid to defy the world." 

"I'm sure you are not like that, dear," protested Mary Louise. 

"I am. Ingua and I are both children of nature. The only difference is that I am older and have been taught diplomacy and self-control, which she still lacks. I mask my feelings, while Ingua frankly displays hers. That's why I am attracted to her." 

Mary Louise did not know how to combat this mood. She remained silent until Josie was dressed and the two went down to dinner. Their visitor was no longer the type of a half ignorant, half shrewd sewing-girl, such as she had appeared to be while in the village. Her auburn hair was now tastefully arranged and her attire modest and neat. She talked entertainingly during dinner, enlivening her companions thereby, and afterward played a game of dominoes with the Colonel in the living-room, permitting him to beat her at this, his favorite diversion. 
Where?
 the living-room