"They are so perfectly matched," she said. "Brother Grant needn't have been doubtful about them; he sha'n't persuade you to change them, shall he?"
"They are beautiful creatures," Bessie observed, absently.
"Naturally, Mr. Mellen was anxious that they should be entirely safe," said Mrs. Harrington, theatrically, "for he has trusted his dearest treasures—his sister and his betrothed wife—to me; and if there is danger, it is for them as well as me."
"What a pretty speech!" said Elsie. "I know you got it out of a novel!"
Elsie had a gay scarf wound about her neck, and began complaining of the warmth.
"I would not take it off," Mrs. Harrington urged, "you will be certain to get cold."
"There is no danger," replied Elsie; "I shall smother, wrapped up in this way."
"But you must keep it on!"
"Indeed, I won't; there!"
They had a playful contention for an instant, then Elsie snatched the scarf from her neck with a triumphant laugh, and held it up beyond Mrs. Harrington's reach.