Had she noticed his shyness she would have made an effort at conversation, but she was absent-minded to-day, and was thinking of something else.

Suddenly she started and laughed a little.
"I beg your pardon," she said.

"What were you saying, Mr.Short ?" Had John been saying anything he would have repeated it, but being thus interrogated he grew doubly embarrassed.
"I--I have not much to say--except good-bye," he answered.
"Oh, don't go yet," said Mrs.Goddard.

"You are not going this afternoon?
It is always so unpleasant to say good-bye, is it not ?" "Dreadfully," answered John.

"I would rather say anything else in the world.