"But what, Agnes? Can't you say the kind of things?"
"Our own way sometimes," she answered slowly, "that's often hardest of all; at least to some people."
"Yes," said Hugh, laughing a little; "some of us always do think we know best."
At this moment a diversion occurred.
"You're wanted in the drawing-room, Master Hugh," said the maid; "there's the same young gentleman that came on Christmas-day, and his sister."
Hugh turned very red, and was hastening away, when he came back to say, "Agnes, come and help a fellow, will you?"
Agnes followed him upstairs, wondering what they had come for.
"Good afternoon, Miss Headley," said the young lady, bending, but not offering her hand. "My brother asked me to come and intercede with you to allow your young people to join our little party next week?"
"I?" echoed Agnes, surprised. "I really did not know they were asked. Hugh, did you forget to tell me?"
Agnes felt uncomfortable, and wished Hugh had explained before they came up.