I 'm so alone , you see -- there is n't anybody to care . Father died three years ago , and I do n't remember my mother at all . There is nobody but myself , and it is dreadfully lonely at times . When the Academy is open and I have my lessons to study , I do n't mind so much . But the holidays take all the courage out of me . '' `` We should have fraternized more this week , '' smiled Ida , regretting that she had n't thought of it before . `` I could n't go home because of the measles , and I 've moped a lot . We might have spent the time together and had a real nice , jolly holiday . '' The other Ida blushed with delight . `` I 'd love to be friends with you , '' she said slowly . `` I 've often thought I 'd like to know you . Is n't it odd that we have the same name ? It was so nice of you to come and see me . I -- I 'd love to have you come often . '' `` I will , '' said Ida heartily . `` Perhaps you will stay the evening , '' suggested the other Ida . `` I 've asked some of the girls who board here in to have some cake , I 'm so glad to be able to give them something -- they 've all been so good to me . They are all clerks in stores and some of them are so tired and lonely . It 's so nice to have a pleasure to share with them . Wo n't you stay ? ''
`` I 'd like XXXXX , '' laughed Ida , `` but I have some guests of my own invited in for tonight .
Academy Father Ida at evening in of that to with