And so Elfie left the room, escorted by Miss Suzy, who though she really liked her young visitor very well, was now heartily glad to see her out.
In the room below the other sisters had a nice little luncheon spread out upon a table covered with a clean cloth. Tea and toast; chipped beef and light biscuits; and stewed apples and new milk.
They pressed Elfie so hospitably that she was obliged to sit down and partake of the refreshments.
After which she thanked them and took leave.
When Elfie was fairly out of the front garden gate, Miss Suzy closed the house-door, and then turned to her sisters and raised her finger in mysterious warning.
“What ever is the matter now?” inquired Miss Molly, and echoed Miss Sophy and Miss Sarah, gazing at their elder sister in perplexity and uneasiness.
“We don’t want Jim to marry, do we?” she inquired.
“Oh lor’!” exclaimed the other sisters, in horrified chorus.
“Well, then, we must keep a good look-out! She’s a nice girl and I like her! but if we don’t take care, she’ll marry Jim, whether or no!”
“Marry Jim!” echoed all the other sisters.