"Well, who shall we invite?" she said, gazing at the pretty image that smiled back her admiration. "I made out a list this morning in my room; shall I bring it?"
She ran into her room and came out again with a handful of engraved cards, some of them already filled in.
"I knew, of course, that the ball was to be, so had the cards struck off. Tom Fuller brought them down. Just add what names you please, Bessie, and we will leave the rest to Mrs. Harrington."
"Why, Elsie!" began Mrs. Mellen.
"Well, what is it?"
"How can you think of—"
"Oh, it's settled, so don't discuss it. What! looking cross? Why, Grant dear, I—I—did not think you would be offended."
"But I am, Elsie."
She dropped into a chair, pressed both hands to her side, and shrunk away into a grieved, feeble little thing, that had been crushed by a single blow.
"Why, Elsie!"