"I did not hear very much, really.

Miss Thompson, may I beg the favor of a few minutes with you alone ?" "Most certainly not!" "I am sure when you learn what it is, Miss Thompson, you would prefer that it be between yourself and myself." "Matilda, don't go!" He shrugged his shoulders pleasantly.

"I had really hoped that the matter might be between just you and me, Miss Thompson.

However, if you prefer Miss Perkins"-- Matilda's name at Mrs.Gilbert's--"to be present, yours is the right to command.

Shall we be seated ?" Matilda had already subsided upon her couch.