He was very silent as they walked to the station with Dr. Dodd trudging behind them . Kitty thought he was tired , perhaps glad to be rid of her , and meekly accepted her fate . But as the train approached , she gave his hand an impulsive squeeze , and said very gratefully , -- `` Jack , I ca n't thank you enough for your kindness to your silly little cousin ; but I never shall forget it , and if I ever can return it in any way , I will with all my heart . '' Jack looked down at the young face almost pathetic now with weariness , humility , and pain , yet very sweet , with that new shyness in the loving eyes , and , stooping suddenly , he kissed it , whispering in a tone that made the girl 's heart flutter , -- `` I 'll tell you how you may return it ` with all your heart , ' by and by . Good-night , my Kitty . '' `` Have you had a good time , dear ? '' asked Pris , as her sister appeared an hour later . `` Do n't I look as if I had ? '' and , throwing off her wraps , Kitty revolved slowly before her that she might behold every portion of the wreck . `` My gown is all dust , crumple , and rags , my bonnet perfectly limp and flat , and my gloves are ruined ; I 've broken Lizzie 's parasol , made a spectacle of myself , and wasted money , time , and temper ; yet my Class Day is n't a failure , for Jack is the dearest boy in the world , and I 'm very , very happy ! '' Pris looked at her a minute , then opened her arms without a word , and Kitty forgot all her little troubles in one great joy . When Miss Smith and Miss Jones called a few days after to tell her that Mr. Fletcher was going abroad , the amiable creatures were entirely routed by finding Jack there in a most unmistakable situation . He blandly wished Horace `` bon voyage , '' and regretted that he would n't be there to the wedding in October . Kitty devoted herself to blushing beautifully , and darning many rents in a short daisy muslin skirt , `` which I intend to wear a great deal , because Jack likes it , and so do I , '' she said , with a demure look at her lover , who laughed as if that was the best joke of the season . AUNT KIPP `` Children and fools speak the truth . '' I `` What 's that sigh for , Polly dear ? '' `` I 'm tired , mother , tired of working and waiting . If I 'm ever going to have any fun , I want it now while I can enjoy it . '' `` You should n't wait another hour if I could have my way ; but you know how helpless I am ; '' and poor Mrs. Snow sighed dolefully , as she glanced about the dingy room and pretty Mary turning her faded gown for the second time . `` If Aunt Kipp would give us the money she is always talking about , instead of waiting till she dies , we should be so comfortable .
She is a dreadful bore , for she lives in such terror of dropping dead with her heart-complaint that she does n't take any pleasure in life herself or let any one else ; so the sooner she goes the better for all of us , '' said XXXXX , in a desperate tone ; for things looked very black to her just then .
Day Dodd KIPP Kitty Polly Pris Smith days hour shyness