She was painfully curious to know why Alfred Dinks had told his mother that they were engaged.

As her Aunt Dinks looked at her, and saw how noble and lofty her beauty was, yet how simple and candid, she was more than ever angry with her, because she felt that it was impossible she should ever have loved Alfred.
They heard a carriage in the street.

It stopped at the door.

In a moment the sound of a footstep was audible.
"My dear, I wish to speak to Alfred alone.

I hear his step," said Mrs.
Dinks.
"Yes, aunt," answered Hope Wayne, rising, and taking her little basket she moved toward the door.