Never before had Dora Bannister found it so hard to meet any one as she found it to meet these two.

She was only eighteen, and had had no experience in comporting herself in an ordinary way when her every impulse prompted her to do or say something quite extraordinary.

But she was a girl who could control herself, and she now controlled herself so well, that had Miss Panney or Mrs.Tolbridge been there they would instantly have suspected what was meant by so much self-control.

She greeted Miss Drane with much suavity, and asked her if she liked apples.
As the party started for the house, Dora, who was a quick walker, was not so quick as usual, and Ralph naturally slackened his pace a little.

In a few moments Miriam and Miss Drane were hurrying toward the house, considerably in advance of the others.
"It is so nice," said Dora, "for your sister to have ladies in the house with her.