Now, don't worry, and don't fret all that pretty color from your cheeks.

Always remember this: it is but for a year or a trifle over.

Then you will be of age and can send your encumbrance to the right-about in a hurry." Caroline, under the spell of this convincing eloquence, began to cheer up.

She even smiled.
"Well," she said, "I will try to be diplomatic.

I really will.