You see they would have had no time to think it over and decide." "Yes, I suppose so." "I have time to make you a little call and stop at the post-office for the last mail and get home just in time for supper." "Oh, well, you must come and dine with me a week from to-day, and I will have a little dinner-party," said Alice.

"I will invite some nice people.

We will have Mr.von Rosen for one." Annie suddenly flushed crimson.

It occurred to her that Mr.von Rosen might walk home with her as he had done from Margaret's, and a longing and terror at once possessed her.
Alice wondered at the blush.
"I was so sorry for poor Margaret last night," Annie said with an abrupt change of subject.
"Yes," said Alice.
"That poor Western girl, talented as she is, must have been oddly brought up to be so very rude to her hostess," said Annie.
"I dare say Western girls are brought up differently," said Alice.
Annie was so intent with what she had to tell Alice that she did not realise the extreme evasiveness of the other's manner.
"Alice," she said.
"Well, little Annie Eustace ?" Annie began, blushed, then hesitated.
"I am going to tell you something.

I have told Margaret.