"Oh, it is not worth remembering," said Agnes; "I only thought of it as an illustration. It was not that I cared so much about the presents, you know, John, it was because everything seemed incomplete. After all I had a much better present than I ever dreamed of, for father gave me my dear little watch."
"I see what you mean," said John. "Now, Agnes, for the other end; that hangs very straight, doesn't it?"
"Nicely. This long curtain-pole is a fine idea for magic-lantern exhibitions."
"Yes, I am glad you thought of it. Agnes, how do you like being left to ourselves?"
"Not at all," answered Agnes decidedly.
"Are we better or worse than you expected?"
"I am worse—you are better," she answered, laughing a little; but it was as near a sob as a laugh.
"Well, I mean that in one way, and not in another. I think I expected we should all be more perfect than we are."
"You did not expect me to break my promise, for instance?" asked John gravely.