“Most eligible!” replied Alvina.
“Yes, he is,” insisted Miss Pinnegar. “I think it’s very good.”
“What’s very good?” asked Alvina.
Miss Pinnegar hesitated. She looked at Alvina. She reconsidered.
“Of course he’s not the man I should have imagined for you, but—”
“You think he’ll do?” said Alvina.
“Why not?” said Miss Pinnegar. “Why shouldn’t he do—if you like him.”
“Ah—!” cried Alvina, sinking on the sofa with a laugh. “That’s it.”
“Of course you couldn’t have anything to do with him if you don’t care for him,” pronounced Miss Pinnegar.
Albert continued to hang around. He did not make any direct attack for a few days. Suddenly one evening he appeared at the back door with a bunch of white stocks in his hand. His face lit up with a sudden, odd smile when she opened the door—a broad, pale-gleaming, remarkable smile.