“What does this mean?” said Mabel.
“You will write these words, please, Mabel:
“In acknowledgment of thirty pounds, I, Mabel Lushington, faithfully promise to invite Annie Brooke to spend the summer holidays with Lady Lushington and myself in Paris.”
“But, Annie,” cried poor Mabel, “I am terrified at having to write this.”
“Don’t write it, and the thing is off,” said Annie.
She moved to the other end of the room. Mabel sat the very picture of misery by the little table where the one candle burned. Some minutes went by. After a time Annie said:
“You may as well go on, for I hold your letter to Mrs Priestley in my pocket.”
“Oh, oh!” said Mabel, “I get more frightened of you, Annie, each moment. Well, what am I to say? I forget.”
“Darling, it is so easy,” said Annie in her gentlest tone. “Now then, I will dictate once more.”
She did so. The words were put down. Annie herself folded up this precious piece of paper, and put it for safety into the bosom of her dress.