“Rather an unexpected pleasure,” was Alice’s comment as Imelda made her appearance and seated herself at the table. She generally came to assist the little ones, as they were sometimes unruly and clamorous until the hungry little stomachs had been satisfied. But that she should wait so long ere satisfying her own physical wants was a new departure and Alice looked as though she would like an explanation. Imelda smiled.
“I have been writing letters,” she said.
Alice did not seem wholly satisfied. The new sweet light that shone in the young girl’s eyes could hardly have been produced by the doubtful pleasure of writing letters in the early morning hours. (Alice always found writing letters a task.) But she asked no questions at present, though a troubled look shadowed the blue eyes as she turned her attention to discussing the dainty meal before her. Imelda attended to the wants of the little ones first and then sent them scampering off for a morning romp. Scarcely had their childish forms disappeared from view when an anxious “Well?” dropped from the lips of Alice. Imelda smiled. Feigning not to understand, she repeated the “Well,” with an additional “What is it?”
“O, pshaw, Imelda,” she said, “You cannot deceive me; something has happened, and you may as well tell me first as last.”
Imelda’s laugh rang out merrily at this assumption of the little lady.
“Your sense of perception is very acute this morning, but I will no longer keep you in suspense. Norman Carlton made me an offer of marriage last evening.”
“You have accepted!” exclaimed Alice. For the moment it was hard to read the pale, immovable features.
“No I have not accepted.” Alice sighed, while a puzzled expression settled upon her face. She found the young girl rather difficult to understand. Why was she so slow in telling what there was to tell?
“Finish your breakfast, Alice, and then I will tell you all.” Thus assured a little more attention was paid to the tempting viands, but Alice for some time was toying impatiently with her knife, waiting until the imperturbable Imelda should be done with her breakfast. Presently she folded her napkin, thus indicating that she was through. Then she arose and said:
“Come, Alice, we will go either to your room or mine where we can talk undisturbed.” The proposition met the favor of the young woman and soon they were seated in the cosy room of the fair mistress.