It was getting late, she said, confusedly.
She had better be at home; and she hastily took her leave.

As soon as she stood outside the house, she made one big spring, and never stopped running, downhill and then up, till she stood on her own door-step; and then she suddenly reflected that she was not expected to come back so soon, and that her brothers were sure to make some unpleasant remarks on her quick return; so she tried to think what she could do with herself for a while.

"I'll find aunty," was her speedy decision, "and I'll tell her all about my visit, and how different it was from what I expected, and how I had to come away because I couldn't think of anything more to say to Nora.

Aunty'll understand, and she won't let the boys laugh at me." She ran into the house, and at her aunt's door she ran plump into Fred, who was coming out.
"Oh, ho! what happened over there between you and your new friend, Emma?
Something has gone wrong, or you wouldn't be at home so soon!" cried Fred, far too cleverly.
Emma did not answer, but went into the room, where her aunt was alone, sewing at her work-table.

Emma sat down as close as she could to her, to show that she was in possession, and no one else could have aunty now.
In the kitchen, Marget was standing; Mrs.Stein offered her a chair and gave her a cup of coffee steaming hot, saying:-- "Do take a moment to rest, Marget; I've been for some time wanting a chance to talk with you.