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112 themselves for a farewell chat. They did not like each other one whit better than in the beginning, but neither had they infringed the armed neutrality which existed between them. They knew that in the country that winter they would be thrown together, and sensible people do not quarrel in the country; they are too dependent on each other.

"And I suppose I am to congratulate you," said Ethel, with rather a chill smile.

"On what, pray?" asked Letty, putting the top of her slipper on the fender, and clasping her hands around her knee in a graceful but unconventional attitude.

"Upon your engagement to Mr. Farebrother," said Ethel, looking more surprised than Letty.

"But I am not engaged to Mr. Farebrother," answered Letty, sitting up very straight, "and he has not asked me to marry him."

"Oh, I am so sorry for you," cried Ethel. "I would never have mentioned it if I had known."

"Why are you sorry for me?" demanded Letty, her cheeks showing a danger signal.

"Because—because, dear, after a man has paid a girl the marked attention for weeks