Next time he speaks to you, you can be as stand-off as you please, Matty." "Yes, mother," said Matty, in a languid tone.
She knew, however, that it was not in her nature to be stand-off to any one, and beneath all the comfort of her mother's words she could not help doubting if Captain Bertram would care how she behaved to him.
The next morning the Rector's invitation came for the annual treat, and the hopes of the Bells once more rose high.

On this occasion Mrs.Bell was to accompany her daughters.

Bell would also be present, but, as he was never of much account, this small fact scarcely rested on any one's mind.

All the town was now in state of ferment.

The Rector's party was the only thing spoken about, and many were the prognostications with regard to the weather.
The day of festival came at last; the sun arose gloriously, not a cloud was in the sky, all the merry-makers might go in their best, and all hearts might be jubilant.