`` Of course , if you would like to have her , Mother , we will ask her , '' said Frances . `` No , girls , '' said Mrs. Allen seriously . `` You must not ask Miss Price on my account , if you do not feel prepared to make her welcome for her own sake . I had hoped that your own kind hearts might have prompted you to extend a little Thanksgiving cheer in a truly Thanksgiving spirit to a lonely , hard-working girl whose life I do not think is a happy one . But there , I shall not preach . This is your dinner , and you must please yourselves as to your guests . '' Frances and Alma had both flushed , and they now remained silent for a few minutes . Then Frances sprang up and threw her arms around her mother . `` You 're right , Mother dear , as you always are , and we are very selfish girls . We will ask Miss Price and try to give her a nice time . I 'll go down this very evening and see her . '' * * * * * In the grey twilight of the chilly autumn evening Bertha Price walked home to her boarding-house , her pale little face paler , and her grey eyes sadder than ever , in the fading light . Only two days until Thanksgiving -- but there would be no real Thanksgiving for her . Why , she asked herself rebelliously , when there seemed so much love in the world , was she denied her share ? Her landlady met her in the hall . `` Miss Allen is in the parlour , Miss Price . She wants to see you . '' Bertha went into the parlour somewhat reluctantly . She had met Frances Allen only once or twice and she was secretly almost afraid of the handsome , vivacious girl who was so different from herself . `` I am sorry you have had to wait , Miss Allen , '' she said shyly .
`` I went to see a pupil of mine who is ill and I was kept later XXXXX I expected . ''
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