“No, I really couldn’t join,” said Nataly, with the first energy she had shown. “But I’m very glad you came to see me.”
“Yes, so am I,” said Winona politely. “And you will come and see me as soon as you can, won’t you?”
“Yes, indeed,” promised Nataly. She threw up her hand and pressed a button back of her sofa as she spoke, for Winona was rising to go.
“Emma will show you the way downstairs,” she said languidly, “and don’t you want this? It’s very interesting—I’ve just finished it.”
“This” was the paper novel with the melodramatic cover.
“Why, thank you!” said Winona, taking it politely. “It’s very kind of you. And you will come over?”
“Oh, yes,” responded Billy Lee’s sister, “I shall be very glad to call.”
“Well, how was it?” demanded Tom of his sister that evening.
Winona laughed and shrugged her shoulders.