Fanny forgot in a moment her "miff" with Verty, when she saw that for some reason Redbud was very nearly ready to burst into tears, and wished to have the young man's attention called away from her; she no longer remembered the slight to herself, which had made her toss her head, and vow that she would not open her lips again; she came to the rescue, as women always do, and with the most winning smile, demanded of Mr.Verty whether he would be so kind as to do her a slight favor?
The young man sighed, and moved his head indifferently.

Fanny did not choose to see the expression, and positively beaming with smiles, all directed, like a sheaf of arrows, full upon the gentleman, pushed the point of her slipper from the skirt of her dress, and said she would be exceedingly obliged to Mr.Verty, if he would fasten the ribbon which had become loose.
Of course, Verty had to comply.

He rose, sighing more than ever, and crossing the room, knelt down to secure the rebellious ribbon.
No sooner had he knelt, than Miss Fanny made a movement which attracted Redbud's attention.

Their eyes met, and Fanny saw that her friend was almost exhausted with emotion.

The impulsive girl's eyes filled as she looked at Redbud; with a smile, however, and with the rapidity and skill of young ladies at public schools, she spelled something upon her fingers, grazing as she went through the quick motions, the head of Verty, who was bending over the slipper.
Fanny had said, in this sly way: "Say you are sick--indeed you are!--you'll cry!" Verty rose just as she finished, and Miss Fanny, with negligent ease, thanked him, and looked out of the window.