"Oh, weights and measures, as usual. I wasn't in the mood to be good, and I tried conscientiously to make a fool of our friend."
"Mildred!"
"No harm done; I didn't succeed. He made one of me instead. This has been what you might term an off day for your little sister."
"What do you mean? How did he make a fool of you?" Clover turned with so much curiosity in her gaze that Mildred rose quickly.
"I'll never tell you,—or hardly ever. Perhaps when we are both married."
Clover turned back to the glass, and Mildred was a little dismayed. The words had slipped out unthinkingly. Until this evening she had agreed in her sister's acceptance of the fact that her life could not be like that of other girls.
"Good-night," she said, standing back of Clover and meeting her eyes in the mirror.
"Good-night," returned the other.
Mildred kissed her cheek. "Do you like me?" she asked softly.
"Pretty well," Mrs. Van Tassel smiled. "Lots better than you deserve."