“I won’t,” said Nan.
“But I think you will, darling. Just come along this minute.”
Nan went as if some one were pulling her back all the time. She got within a foot of Augusta; there she stood still.
“Nearer still, sweet,” said Augusta. “You are my very great friend, and I am your very great friend.”
“How mysterious you are, Gussie,” said Miss Roy. “Why, of course, everybody knows that you and Nancy are great friends.”
“That is all right,” said Augusta, “I just wish to proclaim it in public. I am very proud of our friendship.—I like you immensely, Nancy; all my life long I hope to be good to you. And now, kneel; you will oblige me by winding this wool.”
“I cannot. I must go out this evening.”
“And I cannot go with you, Nancy, so there is an end of it, I fear,” said Miss Roy; and she walked out of the room, feeling rather annoyed with Nancy.
“Now, Nancy, what is it?” asked Augusta.
“Nothing. I will hold your wool while you wind.”