"It's cruel to the young fellows, Miss Pamela—that's what it is."
"It isn't as if she were an engaged girl."
"Ah! that would be rough on the young fellows, before they had more than a chance of seeing her."
Pamela listened to this brisk interchange between her elders with a faint smile. She certainly looked tired, and as the evening went on she held her quiet place by Miss Spencer, who was very animated, and talked enough to cover her silence.
Once she had realised that Pamela was really tired and wanted to sit still, her kindness of heart was aroused. She even waved off the swains who came at intervals to coax Pamela out of her corner.
At last the evening, which Pamela had felt endless, was really drawing to an end.
"You poor dears," said Sylvia, standing over them, and still waving her great fan, "I'm afraid I've been keeping you out of your beds an unconscionable time."
"Hear her!" cried Miss Spencer. "You'd think we were her grandmothers."
"Only Pam," said Sylvia. "I've been watching you. You didn't seem to find it dull."
Miss Spencer laughed, well pleased.