"Ah, yes; I had forgotten it for the moment. But I dare say both your
mamma and Grace would be willing to defer that for a day or two."

"But I wouldn't, because my father has taught me not to break
engagements without very strong reasons; which I don't think I have in
this case."

He laughed a little at that. "Well, daughter," he said, "you shall do as
you please about it, and I am glad to see that you are so good at
remembering your father's instructions and so ready to obey them."

"Thank you, sir. And now must I answer Chester's note--or will you do it
for me?"

"That shall be just as you please, daughter. Perhaps it would be as well
for you to write the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have me do
so, I shall not refuse."

"May I do it on the typewriter?"

"If you prefer it, I see no objection."

"I do prefer it; it is so much easier and quicker than working with a
pen," she said.

"Perhaps you would better wait until to-morrow morning, however," he
suggested; "for, on thinking the matter over, you may find that you
prefer to accept the invitation after all."

He was examining the rest of his mail, and she considered his