"I am sorry. I have brought up some admission tickets for the Botanical flower-show: they were only given me this morning. Do you think Mrs. Preen will be back soon?"
"Not in time to use the tickets. They have gone to an afternoon-tea at Richmond."
"What a pity! It is the rose show. I—suppose you could not go with me?" added Mr. Stane in some hesitation.
"Oh dear, no," replied Alice, glancing at him in astonishment. "Thank you very much."
"Mrs. Preen would not like it, you think?"
"I am sure she would not. You forget that I am only the governess."
Down sat Mr. Stane on the other side the table, and began fingering absently one of the exercise-books, looking occasionally at Alice while he did so.
"What were you crying about?" he suddenly asked.
Alice was taken aback. "I—I don't think I was quite crying."
"You were very near it. What was the matter?"