“Oh, I beg your pardon,” she exclaimed, a wave of color sweeping over her pale face.

“Why are you hurrying so fast on Saturday?” he asked pleasantly. “Don’t you ever give yourself a holiday?”

“Oh, yes; lots of them,” she answered; “but I’m a little rushed to-day with some extra duties.”

She thought of the “cloud-bursts,” which must be made and packed in boxes by the afternoon.

“You are overdoing it, Miss Brown. You are not obeying the doctor’s orders. When I see you there to-night I shall confront you in his presence with the charge of disobedience.”

“There to-night?” repeated Molly.

“Certainly. Have you forgotten about the supper to-night?”

“But I’m not invited.”

“Oh, yes, you are,” answered the Professor, with a knowing smile. “You’ll probably find the note waiting for you. And you must be sure and come, because the McLean’s are real characters. They will interest you, I am sure.”

“Poor Nance,” was Molly’s first thought. And her second thought was: “If her mother is invited out to dine, she can accept.” Her face brightened at this, and without knowing it, she smiled.