"We have not yet seen you in your bridal dress, Bee. You know it was an old promise that we should see you in it the day before the wedding. Don't stay long with mother, Bee. Catherine and I can walk back with you, and you can try on your dress while we are by."
"My dress is all right," said Beatrice. "I have tried it; it fits. I don't want to put it on to-night. I am tired."
Her face was pale, her expression anxious.
Mabel hung back and looked disappointed.
"But you promised," she began.
"Hush, Mabel," said Catherine. She hid quick intuitions, and she saw at a glance that something was the matter.
"Bee would not break her promise if she could help it," she said to her sister. "Don't you see that she looks very tired. Bee, shall I take you to mother?"
"Yes, Catherine," replied Beatrice.
The two girls walked away together. As they mounted the stairs, Catherine stole another glance at her friend. Then almost timidly she put her hand through Beatrice's arm.
"To-morrow, Bee," she said, with a loving hug, "you will be my real, real sister."