"I was not to tell you;" and a smile lurked behind Susan's lips.
She ran upstairs and took off her hat and mantle, and came into the library wondering.
"Oh;" pausing to think for a moment. "It's Miss Pemberton, and—is it Belinda?"
"Oh, you haven't changed a bit, except to grow tall;" and Belinda almost hugged her. "But Mary is Mrs. Hassel, and has the darlingest little boy you ever saw. Oh, do you remember our party out on the lawn, and our picnic? I'm so glad you have come again. I'm the only girl home now;" and then Belinda blushed deeply.
"And Mr. de Ronville would have us share his tea. I've heard it's a kind of English fashion, which he ought not countenance, since he is French, I tell him," said Mrs. Hassel jestingly. "But it is delightful. I think I'll start it. A cup of tea seems to loosen one's tongue."
"Do women really need the lubrication?" asked M. de Ronville with a smile.
"Yes, they do. Think of three or four different women hardly knowing what to say to each other, and after a few sips of tea they are as chatty as you please. But I must say I was so delighted with his charming news that I would have waited until dark for the chance of seeing you."
"Oh, thank you;" and Daffodil blushed prettily.
"And we know a friend of yours, at least Jack does, a young doctor, who is going to be great some day, and who is from Pittsburg, Dr. Langdale."
"Oh, yes, I knew he was studying here."