paused;
glancing up, her eye fell on the shop across the way, and immediately
a sensation of uneasiness took possession of her. With an elbow on her
desk she continued to gaze out of the window, thoughtfully tapping
her cheek with her penholder. She had warned her sister that she meant
to do as she pleased; at the same time, she had not intended to buy
most of her Christmas gifts at the shop, and more than this, to remain
to chat on several occasions. And yesterday Charlotte had come in with
the announcement that Miss Carpenter was willing to show Helen and her
how to make baskets if they would come over some evening. They were
very eager to go. Could she refuse? The question interrupted her flow
of thought; she put aside the letter to be finished some other time,
and went in to see the Leighs.

She found Alexina in the sitting room with Miss Sarah and her aunt.
Old Mrs. Leigh had the quilt she was making spread out on the couch
for admiration and suggestions. Miss Virginia, after paying tribute to
its beauties, mentioned the basket making, and asked for advice.

"Caroline insisted that they would push themselves into notice, and
while I cannot see that they are pushing, they are certainly--"

"Getting there," suggested Miss Sarah. "Do you know, Mr. Goodman has
been in several times after the shop closed at five o'clock, to have
Miss Norah read to him? Now, is that anything but pure kindness? I
suppose Caroline would say they were after his money."

"I had not thought of his caring to be read to as he has John; but he
told grandfather he got tired of John's reading, and there were some
political articles in the _Nineteenth Century_ Miss Pennington offered
to read to him," said Alexina, who had made up her mind definitely
that she wanted these shopkeepers for friends.

"I think that Miss Norah carries a cunning bag, as Malinda used to
say," remarked Mrs. Leigh.

"They have not returned our call, Miss Virginia," said Alex.

"No, and if I could do just as I pleased, I'd like to know them
better. I'd ask them to tea." Miss Wilbur spoke as one considering
some daring departure from the path of propriety.

Miss Sarah laughed. "I wish you would," she said.

When Friday night came, Miss Virginia did not see her way clear to
oppose the basket lessons, and in consequence found herself one of a
merry party in the shop. Alex had come over with them, and presently
Miss Sarah ran in.

Alex was in one of her bright moods,