"I am already interviewing the queen of my heart, and would beseech her gracious majesty to carefully read this petition," spreading the paper out on Phebe's knee.
"What nonsense are you up to now, Bessie?" asked Nanna, coming into the room just at that minute.
"No nonsense at all, but real serious business, such as you would delight in yourself. Come and help me to persuade Mrs. Waring to say 'Yes.'"
"But ought she to say 'Yes'?"
"I am sure you will say so when you know all about it."
Phebe at once, with a smile, handed Nanna the paper, and Nanna, with spectacles on nose, began to read with a face as solemn as the countenances of two judges photographed on to one negative. But sunshine soon conquered solemnity.
"Well done, Bessie! It does you credit," was the instantaneous verdict. "I can see it's you that's been at the top and bottom of it all. Of course you'll say 'Yes'?" turning to Phebe.
"It's very good of the girls, and it is just what I should like to do; but there is one thing they have forgotten to do."
"What is that?" quickly questioned Bessie.
"You have never asked the permission of the superintendent."