We are to--to announce it to-morrow night, are we not?
It has come to that, you see." He did not look very cheerful, nor did she.
"Yes, I suppose it's imperative.

That is why aunt is giving her reception,--just to tell everybody we're engaged." "And then everybody will shake hands with us and say, 'Congratulations,' 'How lovely,' 'So surprised,' 'Howdy do,' and so forth, and we say 'Thanks,' 'How good of you,' and more so forth.

It will be great!" Another silence and inspection of the fire, he taking an altered aim at the black chunk.

"Say!" he exclaimed, "wouldn't it do just as well if I didn't put in an appearance to-morrow night?
Your aunt can announce the thing, as agreed, and you can tell 'em that I have a sick uncle in Indianapolis, or have had my leg broken, or something like that.

Now, there's a good girl." "No," she said.