Chapter 5
Tuesday, January 11, 1887The wait for our connection in Pittsburgh was long and tedious. I struggled to stay awake as we passed the time in the passenger lounge, seated among a group of chatty matrons who plied the young ladies with stick candy and a barrage of questions. Claudine and Anna countered it all with demure thanks and polite evasions, respectively.
Claudine Pelley’s manners had improved considerably during our trip. I cannot say whether it was the influence of Anna’s presence or Miss Rotenberg’s absence—the young lady had a perverse, stubborn streak—that was responsible. At least the girls had mended their quarrel. I smiled as they leaned close for a better look at a chubby-cheeked infant sleeping in the arms of a proud new mama who sat nearby.
Claudine was not as l
