“I’m so flabbergasted by your news,” returned Persis, “that everything else is knocked out of my head. I wish your young man were here for me to see.”
“So do I; but I can show you his photograph.” And Lisa produced the picture.
“He isn’t handsome, but he has a nice face.”
“No, he isn’t specially good-looking, but he is just my dear Rick, and I would not have him any different.” And Lisa put away the photograph a little jealously. “I told you we met on the way out, and I have seen him nearly every day since, so you see we have had a good opportunity of knowing each other well.”
Here came a knock at the door, and a box was handed in by Lyddy. “For you, Miss Persis.”
“For me?” And Persis opened the box with some curiosity. “Oh, see, Lisa: flowers from Mr. Dan. I wasn’t here at Easter, so he has sent them as a welcome home. Isn’t it nice of him?”
“Yes; very. I hear great accounts of you and Mr. Dan. I think he will suit you very well, Perse.”
“Suit me? What do you mean? Why, Lisa, I never gave him a sentimental thought. We are just good comrades; that’s all. He has been awfully good to me. Do you suppose——” And Persis stopped. Could there be any other than friendship’s message intended to be conveyed by the flowers? “Nonsense!” she said. “We’re in business together; that’s all. Don’t you put notions in my head, Miss Lisa, and go thinking every one is in your fix.”
Lisa laughed and then looked rather thoughtful. “I’m going to tell you a secret, Perse. I don’t mind your knowing it now, for it’s all done with long ago, but do you know, when I went away I was quite interested in Mr. Dan myself.”
“You! Why, Lisa, I thought you couldn’t bear him. Then that is why you acted so.”