"I know," she said, then she hesitated.

She pitied little Annie Eustace and considered her rather a victim of loving but mistaken tyranny.

"I wish," she said, "that you would stay and dine with me to-night." Annie fairly gasped.

"They expect me at home," she replied.
"I know, and I suppose if I were to send over and tell them you would dine with me, it would not answer." Annie looked frightened.

"I fear not, Alice.