"
"Because that wretched Polly has been invited also; and she is quite
mean enough and underbred enough to walk up to me before every one and
ask me to give her back her property."
"What fun if she did!" laughed Miss Day.
"Annie, you are unkind!"
"My dear, of course I don't mean what I say, but I can't help seeing
the whole picture: you, so fine and so self-conscious and so-- so
perfect in all your appointments-- and looking-- for all you are a
little thing, Rose-- a good inch above every one else-- and then our
poor, good-natured, downright Polly catching sight of her unpaid-for
ornaments round your sweet baby throat-- all the John Bull in her
instantly coming to the fore, and she demanding her rights in no
measured terms. Oh, your face, Rosie! your face! and Meta
Elliot-Smith's enjoyment-- oh, how delicious the picture is! Dear
Rosalind, do wear the coral, and please-- please get me an invitation
to the Elliot-Smiths'. I'll love you all my life if you give me leave
to witness so lovely a spectacle!"
Miss Merton's face changed color several times while Annie Day was
speaking. She clenched her small hands and tried hard to keep back
such a torrent of angry words as would have severed this so-called
friendship once and for all, but Rose's sense of prudence was greater
even now than her angry passions.
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