re to to be eaves-dropping somewhere near. Maria,
come here quickly, I want you."

"What is it, Martha?"

The little crushed moth put in a face, which disclosed very red eyes, at
the door.

"What is it, Martha? Do you want me?"

"Ah, I thought you couldn't be far off. You'll oblige me, Maria, by
running upstairs, and fetching down my bonnet and mantle. My _old_
gloves will do, and I'll have my fur boa, for the days are turning
wonderfully chilly. Yes, Mrs. Gorman Stanley," continued Mrs. Butler,
when Miss Peters had disappeared, "I'll soon get at the bottom of
_that_ bit of gossip. Are the Bells likely people to keep a close
secret to themselves; you tell me that, Mrs. Gorman Stanley? Aren't they
all blab, blab, blab? Ah, here comes Maria--and dressed to go out, too,
upon my word? Well, miss, I suppose I must humor you! You'll have the
decency, however, to remember to turn away your head if we matrons wish
to whisper a bit among ourselves. Good-bye, Mrs. Gorman Stanley. I'll
look in if I have any news for you this evening."

"Do," said Mrs. Gorman Stanley. "I'm all a-gog to hear. It's no joke to
order a handsome dress for a chit of a girl's wedding, and then not wear
it after all. I meant to get new curtains for my back parlor, heavy
snuff-colored moreen, going a great bargain, but I had to buy the dress
instead. Well, you'll let me know the news. Good-bye."

As they were walking down the street to the Bells' house Mrs. Butler
turned sharply to her little companion:

"Maria," she said, "you are a perfect fool."

"Well, really, Martha, I--I----"

"For goodness' sake, don't begin to snivel. I hadn't finished my speech.
I'm a fool, too. We are both in the same box."

"Oh, no, Martha, you always were----"

"Folly. You needn't roll your eyes at me. Don't flatter. I said we were
both fools. I repeat it. We have been hoaxed."

"Hoaxed?" said Miss Maria, with a high staccato note of inquiry.

"Yes. Hoaxed. Hoaxed out of our wedding presents by a girl who is not
going to have a wedding at all. I miss my brooch. My throat feels naked
without it. Last week I had a hoarseness. I attribute it to the loss of
the brooch."

"I don't miss my lace," said Miss Maria. "I am glad she has it. I am
very glad she has it, wedding or no wedding, bless her sweet heart."

"Maria, your sentiments are sickly. Don't give me any more of them. Here
we are at the door now. You'll remember, Maria, my hint, and act as a
modest woman, if