“From young girls,” suggested Mrs. Goldwin, smiling.
“Thank you,” returned Herbert; “I was hesitating whether to say ‘girls’ or ‘young ladies.’”
“Oh, say girls, by all means,” replied Mrs. Goldwin. “We don’t want Ray to become a young lady too soon.”
“I don’t blame you,” responded our hero, half seriously.
“Why, Mr. Randolph,” said Ray, shaking her dainty finger at him, “I believe I would not have asked you to write in my album if I had supposed you would say that.”
“Well, it is not too late yet, for you see I have not touched the book with the pen,” laughed Herbert.
“Oh, but I would not want to disappoint you. You know you said it would give you pleasure to do so.”
“So it would, but I would rather sacrifice this pleasure than feel that you would be sorry you had given me the invitation.”
Without further parley Herbert wrote in the album—wrote so prettily that he was roundly complimented by all.
Mrs. Goldwin and Ray were now summoned into the drawing room to receive a caller, and presently young Randolph took his leave, and started for his room with a very light and happy heart.