One evening Evelina came in flushed and agitated from her
stroll around the Square. Ann Eliza saw at once that something had
happened; but the new habit of reticence checked her question.

She had not long to wait. "Oh, Ann Eliza, on'y to think what
he says--" (the pronoun stood exclusively for Mr. Ramy). "I
declare I'm so upset I thought the people in the Square would
notice me. Don't I look queer? He wants to get married right
off--this very next week."

"Next week?"

"Yes. So's we can move out to St. Louis right away."

"Him and you--move out to St. Louis?"

"Well, I don't know as it would be natural for him to want to
go out there without me," Evelina simpered. "But it's all so
sudden I don't know what to think. He only got the letter this
morning. DO I look queer, Ann Eliza?" Her eye was roving
for the mirror.

"No, you don't," said Ann Eliza almost harshly.

"Well, it's a mercy," Evelina pursued with a tinge of
disappointment. "It's a regular miracle I didn't faint right out
there in the Square. Herman's so thoughtless--he just put the
letter into my hand without a word. It's from a big firm out
there--the Tiff'ny of St. Louis, he says it is--offering him a