“What is this great secret?” she demanded somewhat piqued.
“I’m not sure that I ought to tell you,” replied the girl with a tinkling laugh which was like the ripple of water over pebbles.
“Pardon my presumption,” snapped the aunt cuttingly, as she assumed her state dignity.
This consisted of standing so erect that she crinkled, drawing her chin the slightest bit in, and folding her hands at the level of her waist. The girl promptly stepped forward and kissed her.
“It was partly of you he spoke.”
Aunt Philomela drew back with a more genuine emotion.
“What an impertinence!” she exclaimed.
“Daddy evidently asked him if he saw any change in you.”
“Of all—”
“And Mr. Barnes told him he thought you had grown younger.”