“Were you going out?” he asked.
Gertrude hesitated. Serena answered for her.
“Gertie and I were going out,” she said. “It is Chapter night and she was going to be made a member. But you won't go now, of course, Gertie. I'll go—John will excuse me, I know—and you can join at the next meeting. It will be all right, I think. It will have to be, of course.”
But Gertrude still hesitated. Her father was surprised.
“Why, Gertie!” he cried. “What are you standin' there for? 'Tain't likely you'll go to that meetin' now that John's come all the way from Boston to see you. Tell him you ain't goin'.”
The young lady was plainly much disturbed. She looked at Mr. Doane and it was evident that she wanted to say something very much indeed. What she did say, however, was a surprise to everyone.
“I—I ought to go, John,” she faltered. “It is a very important meeting. I can't tell you—now—how important it is.”
John's disappointment showed in his look, but his answer was prompt.
“Then go, by all means,” he said. “I'll go with you, if I won't be in the way.”
But this self-sacrificing proposal was dubiously received by both the ladies. Serena shook her head.