If I hadn't run every risk to come here to-day, Heaven knows what might have happened! What do you think of the ponies, dear?
They're my own, and the sweetest! This one's Susy, that one Clarence,--but privately, you know.

Before the world and in the stables he's only Birdie." "But I thought you wrote to me that you called them 'Paul and Virginie,'" said Mary doubtfully.
"I do, sometimes," said Susy calmly.

"But one has to learn to suppress one's feelings, dear!" Then quickly, "I do so hate deceit, don't you?
Tell me, don't you think deceit perfectly hateful ?" Without waiting for her friend's loyal assent, she continued rapidly: "And he's just rolling in wealth! and educated, papa says, to the highest degree!" "Then," began Mary, "if he's coming with your mother's consent, and if you haven't quarreled, and it is not broken off, I should think you'd be just delighted." But another quick flash from Susy's eyes dispersed these beatific visions of the future.

"Hush!" she said, with suppressed dramatic intensity.

"You know not what you say! There's an awful mystery hangs over him.