And it is very forward of you, too, for if either of us did it (being such old friends), it should be I, for I am nearer his age." But Miss Ruth did not stop for discussion.

"Are you not going ?" she said.
"No," Miss Deborah answered, "we'd better go to-morrow.

You might just inquire of Mary, this afternoon, but we will call to-morrow.

It is more becoming to put it off as long as possible." Miss Ruth had her own views, and she consented with but slight demur, and left Miss Deborah to spend the rest of the afternoon in a big chair by the open window, with Baxter's "Saints' Rest" upon her knee.
When Gifford had gone back to the lawyer's house, he found the little gentleman somewhat brighter.

Mary had put a clean white counterpane on the bed, and buttoned a fresh valance around it; and on the small table at his side Willie had placed a big bunch of gillyflowers and lupins, with perhaps less thought of beauty than of love.
"Gifford," he said, "I am glad to see you.