"I think she is," replied Gertrude; "I like her frank, lively manners much."
"I am afraid you found Fanny rather poor company. I should have joined you occasionally, but I could hardly find an opportunity to quit Miss Kitty, we were so much interested in what we were saying."
"Fanny and I are accustomed to each other, and very happy together," said Gertrude.
"Do you know we have planned a delightful drive for to-morrow?"
"No; I was not aware of it."
"I suppose Miss Kay expects I shall ask her to go with me; but supposing, Miss Gertrude, I should give you the preference, and ask you, what should you say?"
"That I was much obliged to you, but had an engagement to take a drive with Miss Emily," replied Gertrude, promptly.
"Indeed!" said he, in a suppressed and provoked tone; "I thought you would like it; but Miss Kitty, I doubt not will accept. I will go in and ask her. Here is your hat."
"Thank you," said Gertrude, and would have taken it; but Ben still held it by one string, and said——
"Then you won't go, Miss Gertrude?"