"With all due respect to Miriam and Anne, I am glad they didn't join us," she said coolly.
"What is on your mind now ?" asked Grace shrewdly.
"So you realize at last that there is something on my mind, do you!" retorted Elfreda grimly.

"I began to think you never could.

I made all kinds of signals to you with my eyes." "I thought they were signals, but wasn't sure," said Grace quickly.
"Well, you can be sure now.

I don't want you to think me a Paul Pry, but I know all about that Christmas business last year." "What 'Christmas business' ?" asked Grace sharply.
"You know very well what I mean, the eight girls and all that." "Why--who----" began Grace in displeased astonishment.
"No, I didn't try to find out," interrupted Elfreda.

"You know me better than that.