"Yes. Mittie says it is to be next Thursday."
Julia augured ill from the cold tone, but she went on, "Yes, I think so. There seems no reason for putting-off longer, and we all need a change. Will you come with us, Hermione?"
The response was delayed. Julia began to tremble.
"Please do. I want it so much, and my husband too. If you knew how anxious he is that you should—"
"I have decided not to go to the Daltons."
"And you will come with us?"
"Yes. Mittie begged it, and I have promised."
"Dear little Mittie!" Julia murmured. "Thank you so much! It is very good to do what we wish. We will try to make you happy there."
"I must take off my hat now."
And Hermione was gone. She could not resolve to unbend farther just then, though not insensible to the kindness of those loving and humble words which made yielding so much easier for her. The contrast between Julia and herself smote her painfully; and at the same time her pride writhed beneath the pain of having to give way, when she had so repeatedly declared that she would not.