Alice's wet eyes began to show a little hopefulness. “You honestly think it might be that way, mama?”
“Why, from what you've told me he said, I KNOW it's that way. Didn't he say he wanted to come again?”
“N-no,” Alice said, uncertainly. “But I think he will. At least I begin to think so now. He——” She stopped.
“From all you tell me, he seems to be a very desirable young man,” Mrs. Adams said, primly.
Her daughter was silent for several moments; then new tears gathered upon her downcast lashes. “He's just—dear!” she faltered.
Mrs. Adams nodded. “He's told you he isn't engaged, hasn't he?”
“No. But I know he isn't. Maybe when he first came here he was near it, but I know he's not.”
“I guess Mildred Palmer would LIKE him to be, all right!” Mrs. Adams was frank enough to say, rather triumphantly; and Alice, with a lowered head, murmured:
“Anybody—would.”
The words were all but inaudible.