"Oh, yes; oh, yes," she answered presently, and choked over the words.
"We wanted so much to go to your wedding--we were afraid you would think it strange that we stayed away, but Archibald had his attack just then, and on top of it he was terribly worried about his affairs.

We have had a very hard year, and we feel so sorry, both of us, that we can't do more for your pleasure.

As it is, we are cutting down our expenses in every way, and I have even decided to give up my carriage the first of next year.
"I know, I know," said Gabriella, who had never had a carriage, and to whom the giving up of one seemed the smallest imaginable sacrifice.

"We mustn't add to your cares," she went on after a minute.

"Wouldn't it be better, really better, if we were to take an apartment at once instead of waiting until June ?" "Until June ?" repeated Mrs.Fowler vaguely, and she added quickly: "It is the greatest pleasure to have you here.