"How terribly ill he looks," said Rose.
"And how dreadfully weak," returned Alice. "I'm sure that gentleman was at Grace's party, only I forget his name."
"Oh, mamma and Grace are both out; who is to do the honors, won't you, Miss Leicester?"
"Oh, no."
"Do, there's a good creature," pleaded Rose. But Isabel was firm. "It will seem so queer," urged Rose.
"Alice, dear, you must go."
Oh no, indeed, I can't; please excuse me, Miss Leicester."
"Oh let me go," pleaded Rose, "I shall manage far better than Alice."
"You!" exclaimed Isabel, "nonsense! Alice has more thought, besides she has the advantage of two or three inches in height, at all events."
Alice remonstrated.