"Mr. Gillie?" he echoed. "What's the matter with James or Jimmie? Good
night, little sis!"

With a boisterous laugh he went out into the street and shut the door.
Virginia, astounded, looked at her sister and laughed.

"What's the matter with him to-night?" she exclaimed. "Is he crazy?"
Without waiting for an answer, she added quickly: "How's mother?"

Fanny averted her face. She dreaded taking Virginia into her
confidence; somehow she could not tell her. Briefly she said:

"She's very tired--been working until now. We expected you home
earlier. She wanted to try on the dress."

Quickly removing her hat and coat which she threw on a convenient
chair, Virginia answered:

"The concert was out later than usual. Dr. Everett was there. He
brought me to the corner. How long has Mr. Gillie been here?"

"All evening," replied Fanny. Then suddenly the elder sister flung her
arms round Virginia's neck.

"Virgie!" she exclaimed, "what do you think? Mr. Gillie has asked me
to marry him."