of us step back like this," here Kitty performed a very elaborate and
very graceful courtesy, then stood upright, and laughing heartily,
showed rows of pearly teeth. Gwin held out her hand.

"May I introduce my friend, Elma Lewis? Elma, this is Miss Malone."

"Kitty Malone. I won't be called Miss Malone," said the incorrigible
Kitty.

"Won't you all come upstairs now, girls?" said Gwin, who perceived that
both Alice and Bessie were annoyed by Kitty's manners.

"If we take off our things we can go into the library and have a good
game before tea, or would you prefer a walk?"

"Well, I for one am tired," said Kitty. "The fact is," she continued,
these boots are somewhat tight. They're awfully becoming, you know,
aren't they? but they do squeeze a little just across the toes; how
ever, as Aunt Honora says, 'Pride feels no pain,' and I am desperate
proud of my feet. Shall we all look at our feet, and see which has got
the prettiest pair?"

"I don't think we will just at present," said Gwin. "If you are tired
you must take your boots off. Have you not just come from Ireland?"

"Bless you, yes," answered Kitty; "I only arrived to-day. The place is
as new to me as it can be. Up to the present I don't think much of it,
although you have got a lovely house, Miss Harley--fine and airy with
plenty of big rooms. I suppose you have got money _galore_; have you?"