just seated herself in the carriage when they heard hurrying
across the tiled floor a quick, light step and the rustle of
silk, and turning they saw Hope standing in the doorway, radiant
and smiling. She wore a white frock that reached to the ground,
and that left her arms and shoulders bare. Her hair was dressed
high upon her head, and she was pulling vigorously at a pair of
long, tan-colored gloves. The transformation was so complete,
and the girl looked so much older and so stately and beautiful,
that the two young men stared at her in silent admiration and
astonishment.

``Why, Hope!'' exclaimed her sister. ``What does this mean?''

Hope stopped in some alarm, and clasped her hair with both hands.

``What is it?'' she asked; ``is anything wrong?''

``Why, my dear child,'' said her sister, ``you're not thinking of
going with us, are you?''

``Not going?'' echoed the younger sister, in dismay. ``Why,
Alice, why not? I was asked.''

``But, Hope-- Father,'' said the elder sister, stepping out of
the carriage and turning to Mr. Langham, ``you didn't intend that
Hope should go, did you? She's not out yet.''

``Oh, nonsense,'' said Hope, defiantly. But she drew in her
breath quickly and blushed, as she saw the two young men moving
away out of hearing of this family crisis. She felt that she was