"What was that woman whispering to you?" asked Gertrude, as soon as they were fairly off.
Elsie looked uncomfortable. "It was something I was to tell mamma," she replied.
"But what is it?"
"I'm afraid she wanted to keep it a secret from you, Gerty, or she would have spoken out loud."
"I think you're very mean and disobliging," retorted Gertrude, beginning to pout.
"No, she isn't," said Philip pompously, "she's honorable, and one of the few females who can keep a secret. But I overheard it, Elsie, and feel pretty sure that the reason she whispered it, was to keep the poor girl from hearing. It's very natural she shouldn't want her to know she's afraid her sight's leaving her."
"Oh, yes; I suppose that was it!" returned Elsie. "But you were very wise to think of it, Phil."
"Don't flatter him," said Gertrude; "he thinks a great deal too much of himself, already."
Dinner was just ready when they reached home, and their mammas were on the porch looking for them.
"So there you are at last! what detained you so long?" said Mrs. Ross.