"It is not to be thought of. We must worship the beautiful new star
from afar. Perhaps she will do something to raise herself into our set;
but as it is, she must go with Kate Rourke and Hannah Johnson and Clara
Sawyer, and all the rest of the foundationers."

"Well, we have seen her now," said Mary, "so I suppose we needn't stand
talking about her any longer. Will you come home and have tea with me,
Alice? Mother said I might ask you."

"I wish I could come," said Alice; "but we are expecting Kathleen."

"Oh, the Irish girl! Is it really arranged that she is to come?"

"Yes, of course it is. She comes to-night. I have never seen her. We are
all pleased, and expect that she will be a very great acquisition."

"Irish girls always are," said Mary. "They're so gay and full of life,
and are so ridiculously witty. Don't you remember that time when we had
Norah Mahoney at the school? What fun that was!"

"But she got into terrible scrapes, and was practically dismissed," said
Alice. "I only hope Kathleen won't be in that style."

"But do you know anything about her? The Irish are always so terribly
poor."

"She is not poor at all. She has got an uncle and aunt in Chicago, and
they are as rich as can be; and her uncle is coming to see her at
Christmas. And besides that, her father has an awfully old castle in the