"It is past five."
"Yes, it has struck. But I did not go out until four, mother."
"Well, I suppose it is my impatience that has made me think you long," acknowledged Mrs. Dan. "Sit down, Mildred; I wish to speak to you. Mrs. George has been here."
"Has she?" returned Mildred, somewhat apathetically; but she took a chair, as she was told to do.
"She came to talk to me about future prospects. And I am glad you were out with that ribbon, Mildred, for our conversation was confidential."
"About her prospects, mamma?" inquired Mildred, raising her mild dark eyes.
"Hers!" repeated Mrs. Dan. "Her prospects, like mine, will soon be drawing to a close. Not that she's as old as I am by a good ten years. She came to speak of yours, Mildred."
Mildred made no rejoinder this time, but a faint colour arose to her face.
"Your Aunt George is very fond of you, Mildred."
"Oh, yes," said Mildred, rather nervously; and Mrs. Dan paused before she resumed.