"I thought you came by Mrs. Graham's invitation," said Gertrude.
"And didn't I have to court Kitty for an hour in order to get it?"
"If you obtained it by artifice," said Gertrude, smiling, "you do not deserve to be entertained."
"It is much easier to please Kitty than you," remarked Ben.
"Kitty is very amiable and pleasant," said Gertrude.
"Yes; but I'd give more for one smile from you than——"
Gertrude now interrupted him with, "Ah! here is an old friend coming to see us; please let me pass, Mr. Bruce?"
The gate at the end of the yard swung to as she spoke, and Ben, looking in that direction, saw the person whom Gertrude seemed desirous to go and meet.
"Don't be in such a hurry to leave me!" said Ben; "that little crone, whose coming seems to give you so much satisfaction, can't get here this half hour, at the rate she is travelling."
"She is an old friend," replied Gertrude, "I must go and welcome her." Her countenance expressed so much earnestness that Mr. Bruce was ashamed to persist in his incivility, and, rising, permitted her to pass. Miss Patty Pace was over-joyed at seeing Gertrude, and commenced waving, in a theatrical manner, a huge feather fan, her favourite mode of salutation. As she drew near, Miss Patty took her by both hands, and stood talking with her some minutes. They entered the house at the side door, and Ben, thus disappointed of Gertrude's return, sallied into the garden in hopes to attract the notice of Kitty.