"He said," answered Miss Radnor, "that he was sure his sister would not approve." "It would have been better for Hugh to have asked me," answered Agnes; "but now will you kindly tell me what it is you wish?" Miss Radnor looked as if it were all a great bore, but answered politely: "Tom has set his heart on having Hugh and his two younger sisters to his party next week. Will you allow them to come? I believe they are to refer to you, as their parents are away." "Thank you very much," said Agnes, hesitating a little, "you are very kind, but I believe my father would prefer our declining." "But why?" asked the girl; "I really cannot take no for an answer." "I should not feel at liberty to make any fresh acquaintances while our parents are away." "How ridiculous! How can a schoolfellow be a fresh acquaintance?" "I am sorry to seem discourteous," said Agnes gently; "but I know my parents' feelings on these subjects, and must beg you to excuse us till their return." "Oh, just as you like, _of course_," said the girl, rising; "I don't think we should have done your charge any harm." "I am sure you would not mean to," answered Agnes gravely--so gravely that Miss Radnor flushed angrily. "Are we such undesirable acquaintances?" "I did not mean that," answered Agnes, raising her eyes steadily, "but it is so difficult in these days to keep in the path----" "What path?" she asked impatiently. "The narrow path that leadeth to Life," Agnes answered very low. "Do not be vexed with me, we are strangers, and may never meet again; but we do want to keep in that, cost what it may." Miss Radnor laughed haughtily. "I had no idea you were so religious!" she exclaimed. "I beg your pardon for coming; good-day." With that she swept out of the room, followed by Tom, who only gave Hugh a passing grimace, which Hugh was at a loss to interpret. Did it mean sympathy with him, or with his sister? "Hugh," said Agnes, "you should have told me." "I never thought there would be another word. What a hateful girl, Agnes." "I do not suppose she is; though I can't say I admired her." "She looked round on all our things as though they were dirt!" "Nonsense. But I daresay she is richer than we are." "Oceans! They have twice as big a house." "And half as big hearts perhaps," laughed Agnes. "Oh, Hugh, I pity that poor Tom." "So do I, now I see what sort of a sister he's got. But he doesn't think her bad; he told me she was 'a stunner.'" "I daresay. Well dear, are you satisfied with what I said? I wish I had said it better." Hugh kissed her. "I couldn't have had half the courage you had," he answered; "and they'll be all the better for it some day, depend upon it. Don't look downhearted, you're a dear old girl." [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER XVII. _THE LAST PUDDING._