Lizzie, with an appealing look, joined in the invitation, and Mr. W—— remained.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
AN IMPORTANT DISPATCH.
When Edward W—— got home that night he found two angry girls up to meet him. His sisters, Flotie and Anna, their dark eyes flashing, each with an “extra” in her hand, met him as he entered the sitting-room in his usual quiet way.
“So! So, Master Ned! you think you can keep a secret from us, don’t you?” cried Flotie, shaking the paper in his face.
“Yes; we asked you if the ‘G. E. L.’ who was wanted to go to a dying mother wasn’t your Hattie Butler, and here she turns out a heroine on a Boston steamer. Oh, you hypocrite! you knew all about her going all the time.”
“Yes, I’ll wager a box of gloves you did,” said Flotie.
“Now, own up, and we’ll forgive you,” said Anna, in a coaxing tone.
“What do you want me to own up, sis?”
“That G. E. L. and Hattie Butler are one and the same,” said Flotie. “You needn’t deny it, for we’re sure of it.”
“Well, if it will make you any happier, let it go so.”