“No, it isn’t. I never looked forward to any thing like this; I always wanted something better. I am not doing very well, although I suppose there are girls in Dunellen who would think Gerald a catch.”
“Oh, Sue, Sue! when he loves you so! If he could hear you, it would break his heart!”
“Take him yourself then, if you think he’s so much,” laughed Sue. “Nan Gerard will get the catch!”
“Sue, I am ashamed of you!” exclaimed Tessa rising. “I am glad if you are happy—as happy as you know how to be. I want you to be happy—and do be good to Dr. Lake.”
How Sue laughed!
“Oh, you dear old Goody Goody,” she cried, springing to her feet and throwing her arms around Tessa. “What else should I be to my own wedded husband? But it does seem queer so near to Old Place to be talking about marrying Dr. Lake.”
“We’ll remember this place always, Sue, and that you promised to be kind to Dr. Lake.”
“Yes, I’ll remember,” with a shadow passing over her face. “The next time you and I sit here it will be all over with me. I shall be out of lovers for the rest of my natural life.” She laughed and chatted all the way home; her listener was silent and sore at heart.
“You will come to-morrow night and see the last of me, won’t you? This is what I came to ask you, ‘the last sad office’ isn’t that it? Sue Greyson will never ask you another favor.”
“Yes, I will come.” She had always loved Sue Greyson. She did not often kiss her, but she kissed her now.