Just when Margaret was sliding across the icy street Aunt Beatrice was bent forward in her chair , her hands over her face , while soft , shrinking little sobs shook her from head to foot . When Margaret 's imperative knock came at the front door , Aunt Beatrice started guiltily and wished earnestly that she had waited until she went to bed before crying , if cry she must . She knew Margaret 's knock , and she did not want her gay young niece , of all people in the world , to suspect the fact or the cause of her tears . `` I hope she wo n't notice my eyes , '' she thought , as she hastily plumped a big ugly dark-green shade , with an almond-eyed oriental leering from it , over the lamp , before going out to let Margaret in . Margaret did not notice at first . She was too deeply absorbed in her own troubles to think that anyone else in the world could be miserable too . She curled up in the deep easy-chair by the fire , and clasped her hands behind her curly head with a sigh of physical comfort and mental unhappiness , while Aunt Beatrice , warily sitting with her back to the light , took up her work again . `` You did n't go to Mrs. Cunningham 's ` at home , ' Auntie , '' said Margaret lazily , feeling that she must make some conversation to justify her appearance . `` You were invited , were n't you ? '' Aunt Beatrice nodded . The hole she was darning in the knee of Willie Hayden 's stocking must be done very carefully . Mrs. George Hayden was particular about such matters . Perhaps this was why Aunt Beatrice did not speak . `` Why did n't you go ? '' asked Margaret absently , wondering why there had been no letter for her that morning -- and this was the third day too ! Could Gilbert be ill ? Or was he flirting with some other girl and forgetting her ? Margaret swallowed a big lump in her throat , and resolved that she would go home next week -- no , she would n't , either -- if he was as hateful and fickle as that -- what was Aunt Beatrice saying ? `` Well , I 'm -- I 'm not used to going to parties now , my dear . And the truth is I have no dress fit to wear .
At least Bella said so , because the party was XXXXX be a very fashionable affair .
across as at before from if in to while with