Kate had kept her eyes open, as she thought, but Marion had not allowed her to see too much, for she did not quite feel sure how far Kate might be trusted with their secret yet; but her friends were not aware of this, and one day, Marion having gone out on business for Mrs. Maple, Kate was alone in the shop when William and a companion came in.
"Marion has gone out," said Kate.
"Has she? Something unusual, isn't it?" said the young man carelessly.
"Yes, very unusual," said Kate, "it is not often we get sent out."
"The old lady is out of the way, I suppose?" said William confidentially, as he helped himself to a sponge-cake from a plate on the counter.
"Yes, or else I dare not talk to you," said Kate, laughing.
"Well, we came in to ask if you couldn't both manage to go to the theatre one night," said William, helping himself to something else from the counter, and handing the plate to his friend.
"Me go to a theatre!" exclaimed Kate; "I have never been in my life."
"Just the reason why you should go now, then," said William, with his mouth full of lemon cheese-cake. "Tell Marion what I say, and I know she will agree with me. Tell her I have a chance of some orders this winter, and you two shall have the first I can get hold of."
"You are very kind," said Kate. "I am sure Marion will be pleased, if she can only manage to go."