He had a business engagement , he said . I suppose Alicia had noticed that look at me , for she showed her claws . `` Do n't forget to call any time you are in Montreal , '' she said more sweetly than ever . `` I am sure Katherine will always be glad to see any of her old friends , although some of her new ones are proving very absorbing -- one , in especial . Do n't blush , Katherine , I am sure Mr. Willoughby wo n't tell any tales out of school to your old Valleyfield friends . '' I was not blushing , and I was furious . It was really too bad of Alicia , although I do n't see why I need have cared . Alicia kept her eye on us both until Jack was fairly gone . Then she remarked in the patronizing tone which I detest : `` Really , Katherine , Jack Willoughby has developed into quite a passable-looking fellow , although he is rather shabby . But I suppose he is poor . '' `` Yes , '' I answered curtly , `` he is poor , in everything except youth and manhood and goodness and truth ! But I suppose those do n't count for anything . '' Whereupon Alicia lifted her eyebrows and looked me over . Just at dusk a box arrived with Jack 's compliments . It was full of lovely white carnations , and must have cost the extravagant fellow more than he has any business to waste on flowers . I was beast enough to put them on when I went down to listen to another man 's love-making . This evening I sparkled and scintillated with unusual brilliancy , for Jack 's visit and my consequent crossing of swords with Alicia had produced a certain elation of spirits . When Gus Sinclair was leaving he asked if he might see me alone tomorrow afternoon . I knew what that meant , and a cold shiver went up and down my backbone . But I looked down at him -- spick-and-span and glossy -- his neckties are never crooked -- and said , yes , he might come at three o'clock .
XXXXX had noticed our aside -- when did anything ever escape her ?
Alicia Jack Montreal Sinclair Willoughby brilliancy carnations especial neckties o'clock