"My dear love, I don't think I ever heard anything more clever and original, and absolutely to the point."
"Now did you? I can't sleep at night, thinking of it—you'll be sure to help me?"
"Help you? With my heart, my life, my purse!"
"Oh, we don't want your purse. You see there's plenty of money; there's the fortune Philip made for Frances. It would be a great pity anything else should rescue her from this dilemma."
"Oh, it is so sweetly romantic!" said Mrs. Carnegie, clasping her hands.
"Yes, that's what I think. You'll be quite ready when the time comes?"
"Oh, quite. More than ready, my brightest fairy!"
"Well, here comes Frances—remember, you're not to let out a word, a hint. I think I've amused Mrs. Carnegie quite nicely, Francie."
Frances's cheeks had that delicate bloom on them which comes now and then as a special and finishing touch, as the last crown of beauty to very pale faces. Her eyes were soft, and her dark eyelashes were still a little wet with some tears which were not unhappy ones.
"Philip wrung a confession out of me," she whispered to her little cousin. "No, Fluff—no, dear Fluff, it does no good—no good whatever. Still, I am almost glad I told him."