nothing would induce her to get the bargain raisins or
any of the other cheap things in her presence.

"I am rather in a hurry," she said; "perhaps you won't care to go so
fast."

"As it happens, I have nothing special to do. I'll go with you now, or
I'll call in by and by and have a chat. I don't know that old Grannie
of yours, but folks say she's quite a character. Jim said so last
night when he was supping at our house."

"I am sure he didn't," muttered Alison under her breath angrily; but
she refrained from making any comment aloud.

"Well," said Louisa, "you'd like to know what sort of girl is coming to
Shaw's to take up your work?"

"I don't think I would," replied Alison; "I am really not interested."

"I wonder you care to tell such lies, Alison Reed! Anyone can tell by
your face that you are just burning with curiosity and jealousy."

"You mustn't say such things to me," said Alison; "if you do, I won't
walk with you."

"Oh, my word, how grand we are!" said the other girl; "how high and
mighty, and all the rest of it! To be sure, Alison, you were a flat to
run off the way you did that day. There is not a person in the shop
that don't think you guilty, and small blame to 'em, I say. Poor Jim
did fret a bit the first day or two, but I think he's pretty happy now;
he comes to our house constant. He's very fine company is Jim, he
sings so well; and did you know he had a turn for acting? We're
getting up a little play for Christmas Eve, and Jim's to be the hero;
I'm the heroine. My word! it's as pretty a bit of love-making as you'd
often see. I tell you what it is, Alison; I'll give you an invitation.
You shall come and see it; you will now, won't you? I'll think you're
devoured with jealousy if you don't. You will; say you will."

Alison paused for a moment--a sort of inward rage consumed her. How
dared Jim profess such love for her, and yet give up so much of his
time to Louisa--how dared he make love to her even in play! A sudden
fierce resolve came into her heart. Yes, she would see the acting--she
would judge for herself. Christmas Eve, that was Thursday
night--Thursday was a good way off from Tuesday, the day when she was
to give Jim her answer. As she walked now by Louisa's side, she
guessed what her answer would be--she would be careful and
cautious--oh, yes, she would see for herself.

"I will come," she said suddenly, and to Louisa's great surprise--"I
will come, if you promis