but somehow, though my name has been down on the visitors' list these
three years, the countess has never named me in her note; and you know
I could not push myself into notice, and go to such a grand place
without being asked; how could I?'

'I told Phoebe last year,' said her sister, 'that I was sure it was
only inadvertence, as one may call it, on the part of the countess, and
that her ladyship would be as hurt as any one when she didn't see
Phoebe among the school visitors; but Phoebe has got a delicate mind,
you see Mr. Gibson, and for all I could say she wouldn't go, but
stopped here at home; and it spoilt all my pleasure all that day, I do
assure you, to think of Phoebe's face, as I saw it over the window-
blinds, as I rode away; her eyes were full of tears, if you'll believe
me.'

'I had a good cry alter you was gone, Sally,' said Miss Phoebe; 'but
for all that, I think I was right in stopping away from where I was not
asked. Don't you, Mr. Gibson?'

'Certainly,' said he. 'And you see you are going this year; and last
year it rained.'

'Yes! I remember! I set myself to tidy my drawers, to string myself up,
as it were; and I was so taken up with what I was about that I was
quite startled when I heard the rain beating against the window-panes.
'Goodness me!' said I to myself, 'whatever will become of sister's
white satin shoes, if she has to walk about on soppy grass after such
rain as this?' for, you see, I thought a deal about her having a pair
of smart shoes; and this year she has gone and got me a white satin
pair just as smart as hers, for a surprise.'