Part 18 (2/2)
”How could any one be so base who pretends to the name of gentleman!”
cried Mrs. Willoughby.
”He wasn't base--and it's very wicked of you, Kitty. He only pretended, you know.”
”Pretended!”
”Yes.”
”Pretended what?”
”Why, that he was my--my father, you know.”
”Does Ethel know this?” asked Mrs. Willoughby, after a curious look at Minnie.
”No, of course not, nor Dowdy either; and you mustn't go and make any disturbance.”
”Disturbance? no; but if I ever see him, I'll let him know what I think of him,” said Mrs. Willoughby, severely.
”But he saved my life, and so you know you can't be _very_ harsh with him. Please don't--ple-e-e-ease now, Kitty darling.”
”Oh, you little goose, what whimsical idea have you got now?”
”Please don't, ple-e-e-ease don't,” repeated Minnie.
”Oh, never mind; go on now, darling, and tell me about the rest of it.”
”Well, there isn't any more. I lay still, you know, and at last Ethel came; and then we went back to Dowdy, and then we came home, you know.”
”Well, I hope you've lost him.”
”Lost him? Oh no; I never do. They always _will_ come. Besides, this one will, I know.”
”Why?”
”Because he said so.”
”Said so? when?”
”Yesterday.”
”Yesterday?”
”Yes; we met him.”
”Who?”
”Dowdy and I. We were out driving. We stopped and spoke to him. He was dreadfully earnest and awfully embarra.s.sed; and I knew he was going to propose; so I kept whispering to myself all the time, 'Oh, please don't--please don't;' but I know he will; and he'll be here soon too.”
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