But if to nobody else, she must say good-bye to May. She had hardly seen her since the night of the State ball—the night she had given Fred Scully permission to see her in her room. She found her in the ladies' drawing-room.
'How do you do, May?'
'Oh, how do you do, Alice? I am so glad to see you. What a dreadful day!'
'Yes, isn't it? Don't you find it very depressing?'
'I should think I did. I'm feeling rather out of sorts. Do you ever feel out of sorts? you know, when everything seems as if it were reflected in a darkened glass? There are times when we girls are nervous and weak, and ready to quarrel with anyone. I don't know what I wish for now; I think I should like to go back to the country.'
'We are going back to-morrow morning.'
'You don't say so; and how's that? There are plenty of balls and afternoon dances. What does Olive say to going home?'
'She doesn't mind. You know mamma always said she would return immediately after the Castle balls.'
'And now that it is all over, tell me what you think of the Castle. Did it come up to your expectations?'
'I don't know that I think much about the matter. I am not so fond of dancing as you are.'