Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After nearly polishing off their plates, Scales stood up to settle the bill.

Just as they were about to leave, they bumped into Slater, Sybil, Grace, and Arkle. The only one missing from their usual troupe was Hertha, which wasn't surprising considering she never dined at places like this. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ms. Payne's three musketeers?!" Slater broke the ice with a smirk, but his teasing tone made people uncomfortable.

Roseanne and her companions didn't respond.

Slater's smile stiffened a bit before he continued, "What a coincidence running into you here. Didn't see Ms. Payne with you. Too stingy to treat you to a meal at such a swanky place, huh? Not like us; Ms. Edna covered our tab today." "The department really does spoil us, huh? Most of this year's research funds went to our project."

"It's a real shame, you know. You guys work your tails off for a grad degree, only to end up with an advisor who barely has a say. What kind of future does that hold for you?"

Slater's words flew non-stop, while Sybil and Grace looked on with cold indifference.

Only Arkle, ever the peacemaker, tried to intervene but was briskly pushed aside by Slater-

"Back off, bumpkin! I don't want to catch your country stink!"

stiffened, a look of hurt and inferiority flashed in his eyes, but he continued, "Come on, we're all classmates here. No need

it? You think you have a say

can't I speak? I've got a mouth, don't I?" Arkle retorted,

arguing was not his

country boy's got a temper. Know your place, will

Arkle hung his head.

Keep your head down until you're strong

suddenly spoke up,

Carlson always say

remind Slater not to

too hard could lead to

"Alright, alright. Wasn't trying to give him a hard time. Just can't stand

and her group, "Speaking of which, ever consider