about--?"

"No, I'm not! When I say a thing I mean it."

"Perhaps some other folks do. Oh, Miss Nita! I couldn't help
hearing what Mr. Randolph said when he bade you good-bye--I was so
near!"

"What if you did! There was nothing secret about it." The voice
was hard and unnatural. Miss Sterling felt the flame in her cheeks.

"Well, I was almost sure that it meant he was going to take you to
ride, weren't you?"

"Of course he won't ask me!" She crossed over to the work-table
for another stocking.

"I think he will," said Polly decidedly. "You'll go if he does,
shan't you?"

"No, not an inch!"

"Oh, why? I'd go in a minute if he'd ask _me_!"

"Isn't there something we can talk about besides that detestable
man! How did Colonel Gresham enjoy Mrs. Adlerfeld?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him. I guess I'd better go. Mother
may want me." Polly walked slowly toward the door.