It wasn't to be mentioned to any one; but it was only natural to speak of it to dear Ruth and to you." Gifford did not wait to hear more.

"I must go," he said hurriedly.

"I must get back to Mr.Denner," and he was off.
"Oh, dear Giff!" cried Miss Deborah; taking little mincing steps as she tried to run after him.

"You won't mention it?
You won't speak of it to any one, or say I--I"-- "No!" he called back,--"no, of course not." "Not even to your aunt Ruth would be best!" But he did not hear her, and Miss Deborah went back to the house, annoyed at Gifford, because of her own indiscretion.
Miss Ruth had gone to her own bedroom, and some time after Miss Deborah had disappeared in hers, the younger sister emerged, ready to go to Mr.
Denner's.
Miss Ruth had dressed with great care, yet with a proper sense of fitness, considering the occasion.

She wore a soft, old-fashioned lawn with small bunches of purple flowers scattered over it, and gathered very full about the waist.