"I don't know," he replied helplessly. "I guess there's nothing to
be done but just wait. They are sure to be along."

In the background, Page and Mrs. Wessels had watched the interview,
and had guessed that Laura was none too gracious. Always anxious
that her sister should make a good impression, the little girl was
now in great distress.

"Laura is putting on her 'grand manner,'" she lamented. "I just know
how she's talking. The man will hate the very sound of her name all
the rest of his life." Then all at once she uttered a joyful
exclamation: "At last, at last," she cried, "and about time, too!"

The Cresslers and the rest of the party--two young men--had
appeared, and Page and her aunt came up just in time to hear Mrs.
Cressler--a fine old lady, in a wonderful ermine-trimmed cape, whose
hair was powdered--exclaim at the top of her voice, as if the mere
declaration of fact was final, absolutely the last word upon the
subject, "The bridge was turned!"

The Cresslers lived on the North Side. The incident seemed to be
closed with the abruptness of a slammed door.

Page and Aunt Wess' were introduced to Jadwin, who was particular to
announce that he remembered the young girl perfectly. The two young
men were already acquainted with the Dearborn sisters and Mrs.
Wessels. Page and Laura knew one of them well enough to address him
familiarly by his Christian name.