"Delighted! No, it will be a bore."
"Then why did you say Eureka! and look so pleased?"
"Because on that day I shall leave cards on the Northbury folk—not one of them will be at home."
"Shabby," muttered Catherine. Her dark cheek flushed, she turned away.
Mabel put out her little foot and pressed it against her sister's. The pressure signified warning.
"Then you are not going to the bazaar, mother?" she questioned.
"I don't know. I may drop in for a moment or two, quite at the close. It would not do to offend Mr. Ingram."
"No," replied Mabel. "He is a dear, gentlemanly old man."
"Don't use that expression, my love. It is my object in life that all your acquaintances in the world of men should be gentlemen. It is unnecessary therefore to specify any one by a term which must apply to all."
Mrs. Bertram then asked Mabel to reply to Mr. Ingram's note. The reply was a warm acceptance, and Mr. Ingram cheered those of his parishioners who pined for the acquaintance of the great lady, with the information that they would certainly meet her at the bazaar.