"But you must let me in, Mrs. Lenoir. I want to tell you something, and I can't speak in the dark."
"Lizzie, you must bear with my strange moods. You know I never receive visitors."
"To call me a visitor! And I've run to tell you the very first! Mrs. Lenoir, I have no mother."
Lizzie's pleading conquered. She glided by Mrs. Lenoir, and entered the room. Mrs. Lenoir slowly followed. Lizzie's face was bright, her manner joyous. "Guess what has happened, Mrs. Lenoir!"
Mrs. Lenoir cast a glance at Lizzie's happy face.
"You will soon be married, Lizzie."
"Yes," said Lizzie, with sparkling eyes, "it was all settled this evening. And do you know, Mrs. Lenoir, that though I've been thinking of it and thinking of it ever since me and Charlie have known each other, it seems as if something wonderful has happened which I never could have hoped would come true. But it is true, Mrs. Lenoir. In three weeks from this very day. It's like a dream."
Mrs. Lenoir had resumed her work while Lizzie was speaking, and now steadily pursued it as the girl continued to prattle of her hopes and dreams.
"You will make my dress, Mrs. Lenoir?"
"Yes, Lizzie."