CHAPTER XIV.
MARIE TALKE.
Monday, January —.
I AWOKE yesterday morning with a severe head-ache and influenza. The exciting scene of the day before was still fresh in my mind. If I had chosen to weep all day, no one would have been any wiser, for my nose and eyes were both as red and swollen as a gallon of tears could have made them.
"You cannot go to the theatre to-night!" Grace exclaimed in horror when she saw me.
"Serves her right," said Tom. "The idea of a woman who was born and brought up in New England, going to the theatre on Sunday! I can't understand how you harbored the notion for a moment."
"It is one chance in a lifetime," interposed Judith. "A gala-night, when every one in the house will be the guest of the Emperor; and all the wedding party there too! You must go, Dorris, even if you are ill enough to be in bed."
"I shall be well enough to go," I answered calmly.
Tom remarked in a resigned tone that he had no control over the women of his family.
In the course of the day Mr. Thurber came in. He
