your hair back," Madelaine had said, loosening
the waves about Charlotte's forehead with fairy touches. "It was too
extreme before. We could hardly see your eyes, and they are too pretty
to hide."

Silly flattery, Alex thought, but she knew Charlotte would never
return to the old way.

As she poured the coffee, Miss Virginia told Alex about Mr. Landor's
visit and his decision in regard to the shopkeepers. "I was so
surprised," she concluded, "for Philadelphians are so exclusive, you
know."

"I think he is sensible. I wish one could do the natural, simple thing
always," sighed Alex, "without thinking of dignity or position. It
might be much more entertaining to associate with persons whose social
position was different from one's own."

"Do you think so, Alex? If it were done generally, there would not be
any social positions, would there?" Miss Virginia spoke as one who
faced a deep problem.

"It would be heaven," answered Alex; adding, "suppose we go this
evening."

"Alex! will you go with me? I am so relieved."

Later it appeared that unsuspected difficulties lurked in the
seemingly simple matter of an evening call.

"Shall I take a card?" Miss Virginia paused on the stairway to
inquire. "It is not quite an ordinary call, you know."

"I should take one if I were you; and let me put my name on it," Alex
answered, laughing.

On the porch Miss Wilbur paused again. "Shall we ask them to come to
see us?"

"Need we mention it at all? Let them do as they see fit."

"Of course. You are very sensible, Alex." Miss Virginia sighed.

At the gate there was another delay. "I am afraid your mother will not
like it. I don't want to lead you into mischief, Alex."

"Now, Miss Virginia, I proposed going with you, and I am going whether
you go or not," and Alex linked her arm in her friend's, and drew her
toward the corner.

"I don't know what Caroline _would_ say; but then, she does not know
the circumstances." After this remark, they crossed the street in
silence, broken only by another sigh from Miss Virginia, as Alex
touched the bell.

The maid who admitted them showed some surprise, but ushered them
toward a half-open door at the end of the small hallway, Miss Wilbur's
card in her hand.

"We'll just refer the matter to the _rich_ Miss Carpenter," a
laughing voice was announcing as they entered a room, the first
impression of which was that of a pleasant library, with its shaded
lamps, open fire, and happy mi