But, really, I am very rude! I have not told you my name." "It's coming," thought Grace, unconsciously bracing herself.

Nora and Anne had also straightened up, their eyes fastened on the speaker.
"My name is Allison," said the woman, wholly unaware of the bombshell she had exploded.

"I am a widow and quite alone in the world.

My husband died a number of years ago." "I knew it, I knew it," muttered Grace.
"What did you say, my dear ?" asked Mrs.Allison.
But Grace was silent.

The woman was too nervous as yet to hear the news.
Perhaps after all the name was a mere coincidence.
Anne, understanding Grace's silence, hurriedly took up the conversation.
"Are you familiar with this part of the country ?" she asked.
"I have not been here for a number of years," replied Mrs.Allison, "although my friends, the Gibsons, have sent me repeated invitations.
Mrs.Gibson and I went through Vassar together." "We expect to go to college next year," said Grace.