`` I happened to look up once , and such an expression as was on her face , girls ! It was pathetic and sad and envious all at once . It really made me feel bad -- for five minutes , '' she concluded honestly . `` Has n't Miss Allen any friends at all ? '' asked Beth . `` No , I do n't think she has , '' answered Jean . `` She has lived here for fourteen years , so Mrs. Pickrell says . Think of that , girls ! Fourteen years at Chestnut Terrace ! Is it any wonder that she is thin and dried-up and snappy ? '' `` Nobody ever comes to see her and she never goes anywhere , '' said Beth . `` Dear me ! She must feel lonely now when everybody else is being remembered by their friends . I ca n't forget her face tonight ; it actually haunts me . Girls , how would you feel if you had n't anyone belonging to you , and if nobody thought about you at Christmas ? '' `` Ow ! '' said Olive , as if the mere idea made her shiver . A little silence followed . To tell the truth , none of them liked Miss Allen . They knew that she did not like them either , but considered them frivolous and pert , and complained when they made a racket .
`` The skeleton at the feast , '' XXXXX called her , and certainly the presence of the pale , silent , discontented-looking woman at the No. 16 table did not tend to heighten its festivity .
Allen Beth Jean Olive Ow Pickrell everybody minutes none years