f hour.

Standing there looking out into the darkness, I was interrupted by a
knock on my door.

"I was just turning down the beds, Miss," explained Lucy's Delia, "and
so brought up your letter." And she passed me the missive I had not
noticed on the table as I came in, so blind a cheerful "good night"
called from out of the rain had made me.

"A letter? Thank you, Delia. Isn't it rainy!" I added impulsively.

"It is, Miss. It is indeed, Miss Ruth!"

"Come," I went on, "let me help you turn down the beds. I haven't
another thing to do." The letter could wait. Benevolence possessed
my soul.

Later alone in my room I opened my note. It was from Edith. I had
recognized her handwriting instantly. She seldom harbors ill-feeling
for any length of time.

"Three cheers!" the letter jubilantly began. "Run up a flag. We win!" it
shouted. "Prepare yourself, Toots. We have been bidden to Grassmere!
Also I have received a personal note from the great Mogul herself. You
were right, I guess, as always. Let's forgive and forget. Mrs. Sewall
writes to know if we will honor her by our presence at a luncheon at
Grassmere. What do you say to that? With pleasure, kind lady, say I! I
enclose your invitation. You'll be ravishing in a new gown which I want
you to go right in and order at Madame's--_on me_, understand, dearie.
I'm going to blow myself to a new one, too. Won't the girls be surprised
when they hear of this? The joke will be on them, I'm thinking. Probably
you and Breck will be patching up your little difference, too. I don't
pretend to fathom Mrs. S.'s change of front, but it's changed anyhow!
That's all I care about. Good-by. Must hurry to catch mail. Hustle home,
rascal. Love, Edith."

Two weeks later on the morning after the luncheon, to which it is
unnecessary to say I sent my immediate regrets, the morning paper could
not be found at Lucy's house. Will went off to the University berating
the paper-boy soundly. After I had finished my coffee and toast and
moved over to the front window, Lucy opened the wood-box.

"I stuffed it in here," she said, "just as you and Will were coming
downstairs. I thought you'd rather see it first." And she put the lost
paper into my hands and left me.

On the front page there appeared the following announcement:

"Breckenridge Sewall Engaged to be Married to Miss Gale Oliphant of New
York and Newport. Announcement of Engagement Occasion for Brilliant
Luncheon Given by Mrs. F. Rockr