"Oh, dear! How can I?" despaired Nan.
"Why, simply by being so," declared Miss Blake.
Nan fell silent, and then, when Miss Blake was just beginning to wonder what new caprice her guest had fallen victim to, she broke out impetuously:
"Oh, I say Miss Blake! it is just festive in here. I never saw anything that began to be so pretty."
It was genuine praise, and Miss Blake really flushed with gratification as she replied:
"Thank you, Nan. I think myself it is cozy, and I am very happy if my little nest pleases you. It is a very simple one. I am my own upholsterer and my own decorator, so I have a special reason to value any praise of my small domain. You must come often if you like it here, for I love to play hostess to so appreciative a guest!"
Nan settled back among the cushions with a contented sigh.
"I wish," she said presently, "I wish the rest of the house looked this way."
"If you really would like to make some changes, Nan, I will do my best. What there is in the house is good and substantial, and with a little alteration could be made to serve very well."
Nan looked up eagerly.