"It is not," said Miss Mehitable defiantly. "It is a town hat. She got the present of a beautiful hat, Mrs. Barry—"
"Dear Miss Upton doesn't say that she gave it to me herself," put in Geraldine.
No, dear Miss Upton did not; for she had a New England conscience; but she continued firmly:
"She may want to wear it; she's got a white dress."
Geraldine colored. Mrs. Barry had seen her white dress.
"By all means let us take the hat," said that lady, and Lamson bore off the box.
"Au revoir, then," said Geraldine, trying to speak lightly, and kissing Miss Mehitable. "I'll let you know what day I am coming back. Say good-bye to Mrs. Whipp for me."
Mrs. Barry's face became inscrutable as Geraldine spoke. She had seen the counter, and the phonograph, and in fancy she could see the impending excursionists.
"Good-bye, Miss Upton." And the shining motor started. "To Rockcrest, Lamson."
Miss Mehitable went back into the house. She suspected she should find Charlotte weeping, and she did.