"A projectile--a plan I had. I thought maybe Kitty would come and keep house for me; asked her, in fact. She promised to think it over; but, of course, there's an end of it now." "Why, Marshall!" Mrs. Wibird prepared to shed tears. "You know Melissa and I would come _any_ time to keep house for you: you know I have offered to, over and over again, but you always said----" "Never mind, mother!" Melissa broke in. "That was different! I understand entirely, Uncle Marsh." Mr. Mallow had been winking both eyes rapidly, a sign of embarrassment with him. He was very good to his sister, and really fond of Melissa, poor child, but--well, Lissy understood! "A singular coincidence!" Miss Egeria fluttered into the breach. "Sister and I had also hoped--had asked dear Kitty to make her home with us, Mr. Mallow. Of course we had no idea----" "Why," cried Melissa, "the Chanters expected her to live with them, Zephine told me so this very morning. The boys are going to move into the barn chamber, and the girls into their room, so Kitty can have _their_ room, the girls'. They spoke as if it were all settled." "Miss Kitty is in great demand: in great demand! Grando demando, as we say in Italy. I happen to know for a fact that Madam Flynt had made a similar plan for Miss Kitty's future. I had the honor of calling upon that estimable lady this afternoon, and she said quite confidently that she expected our young friend to take up her abode--in short, to share her elegant mansion with her. Miss Kitty had promised to think it over, but Madam Flynt appeared to have little doubt-tout-tout----" "I must say I think Kitty has been rather sly!" said Mrs. Wibird, compressing her thin lips. "It's all very well to keep your own counsel, but there is such a thing as being too close-mouthed, to _my_ mind!" "Oh, mother!" protested Melissa. "You're entirely mistaken!" "No doubt!" Mrs. Wibird folded her hands meekly. "I am usually mistaken, I admit; still I have my opinions, poor as they are." It was Miss Almeria who spoke now, with quiet dignity. "I do not understand, Marcia, that Kitty has done more in any case than agree to think over the invitation received by her. It seems to me in every way proper that she should do so. On the whole----" Miss Almeria paused, to give weight to her words, "on the whole, sadly as we are disappointed, my sister and I rejoice, I am sure, that matters have so arranged themselves that Kitty can remain in her own home. We have not intended to be selfish, friends and neighbors, but we may have been so unconsciously. Kitty is tenderly attached to her own home; I for one am surprised that I did not realize this more fully. It seemed--it would have been such a pleasure to have her----" "Dear child!" murmured Miss Egeria. "It would indeed! but you are perfectly right, sister!" "Doubtless Johanna realized this situation. I applaud, though I deplore in certain aspects, her action."