"I hope you will, Luke," said Florence, cordially.
"I am very much obliged to you for your good wishes," said Luke, warmly.
"That reminds me, Luke, next week, Thursday, is my birthday, and I am to have a little party in the evening. Will you come?"
Luke's face flushed with pleasure. Though he knew Florence very well from their being schoolfellows, he had never visited the house. He properly regarded the invitation as a compliment, and as a mark of friendship from one whose good opinion he highly valued.
"Thank you, Florence," he said. "You are very kind, and I shall have great pleasure in being present. Shall you have many?"
"About twenty. Your friend Randolph will be there."
"I think there will be room for both of us," said Luke, with a smile.
The young lady bade him good morning and went on her way.
Two days later Luke met Randolph at the dry-goods store in the village.
"What are you buying?" asked Randolph, condescendingly.