"Peter has gone home for the night, Marie said," Alice told Annie, "but Marie and I will walk home with you." "Alice, it is only a step." "I know, but it is late." "It is not much after ten, and--I would rather go alone, if you don't mind, Alice.

I want to get settled a little before Aunt Harriet sees me.

I can do it better alone." Alice laughed.

"Well," she said, "Marie and I will stand on the front porch until you are out of sight from there and then we will go to the front gate.

We can see nearly to your house and we can hear if you call." It was a beautiful night.