Mary Marie by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
page 226 of 253 (89%)
page 226 of 253 (89%)
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I chose the latter course, and I took a time when they were both
together. At the breakfast-table I mentioned casually that the school was to have a sleigh-ride and supper the next Friday afternoon and evening, and that Paul Mayhew had asked me to go with him, I said I hoped it would be a pleasant night, but that I should wear my sweater under my coat, anyway, and I'd wear my leggings, too, if they thought it necessary. (Sweater and leggings! Two of Mother's hobbies. Artful child!) But if I thought that a sweater and a pair of leggings could muffle their ears as to what had gone before, I soon found my mistake. "A sleigh-ride, supper, and not come home until evening?" cried Mother. "And with whom, did you say?" "Paul Mayhew," I answered. I still tried to speak casually; at the same time I tried to indicate by voice and manner something of the great honor that had been bestowed upon their daughter. Father was impressed--plainly impressed; but not at all in the way I had hoped he would be. He gave me a swift, sharp glance; then looked straight at Mother. "Humph! Paul Mayhew! Yes, I know him," he said grimly. "And I'm dreading the time when he comes into college next year." "You mean--" Mother hesitated and stopped. "I mean I don't like the company he keeps--already," nodded Father. |
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