The younger girl had never repelled her, but was long in overcoming the dread excited by Clem's proximity.

Even now she never looked straight into Miss Peckover's face, as she did when speaking with others; there was reserve in her manner, reserve unmistakable, though clothed with her pleasant smile and amiable voice.
'I've got something to tell you, Jane,' Clem began, in a tone inaudible to those who were sitting near.

'Something as'll surprise you.' 'What is it, I wonder ?' 'You must swear you won't tell nobody.' Jane nodded.

Then the other brought her head a little nearer, and whispered: 'I'm goin' to be married!' 'Are you really ?' 'In a week.

Who do you think it is?
Somebody as you know of, but if you guessed till next Christmas you'd never come right.' Nor had Clem any intention of revealing the name, but she laughed consumedly, as if her reticence covered the most amusing situation conceivable.
'It'll be the biggest surprise you ever had in your life.