“And you wouldn’t believe me when I said that she was the prettiest girl in the country. Now you will see for yourself.”
Ned hadn’t finished his tea when there was a knock at the door.
“And how do you do, Miss Ellen?” said Mrs. Grattan, and Ellen guessed from her manner that Ned had told her.
“Well, Mrs. Grattan, I am glad that you are the first person to bear the news to. I have just asked my father’s consent and he has given it. I am going to marry Mr. Carmady.”
Mrs. Grattan was sorry there was no cake on the table, but there was some buttered toast in the oven; and Ellen reminded her of the paper boats and the alder-trees, and they spoke for a long time about her son James and about people that Ned knew nothing of, until Ned began to feel bored and went to the window. Every now and
