Two Letters

Nancy Ellen and Robert were sitting on the side porch, not seeming
in the least sleepy, when Kate entered the house. As she stepped
out to them, she found them laughing mysteriously.

"Take this chair, Kate," said Nancy Ellen. "Come on, Robert,
let's go stand under the maple tree and let her see whether she
can see us."

"If you're going to rehearse any momentous moment of your
existence," said Kate, "I shouldn't think of even being on the
porch. I shall keep discreetly in the house, even going at once
to bed. Good-night! Pleasant dreams!"

"Now we've made her angry," said Robert.

"I think there WAS 'a little touch of asperity,' as Agatha would
say, in that," said Nancy Ellen, "but Kate has a good heart.
She'll get over it before morning."

"Would Agatha use such a common word as 'little'?" asked Robert.

"Indeed, no!" said Nancy Ellen. "She would say 'infinitesimal.'
But all the same he kissed her."

"If she didn't step up and kiss him, never again shall I trust my
eyes!" said the doctor.

"Hush!" cautioned Nancy Ellen. "She's provoked now; if she hears
that, she'll never forgive us."

Kate did not need even a hint to start her talking in the morning.
The day was fine, a snappy tinge of autumn in the air, her head
and heart were full. Nancy Ellen would understand and sympathize;
of course Kate told her all there was to tell.

"And even at that," said Nancy Ellen, "he hasn't just come out
right square and said 'Kate, will you marry me?' as I understand
it."