“Don’t, Boardman,” pleaded Dan.  “Boardy, I believe if I could get in and up to my room without anybody’s seeing me, I’d let you tell them.  There don’t seem to be anybody about, and I think we could manage it.”

“It wouldn’t work,” said Boardman.  “Got to do it yourself.”

“Well, then, wait a minute,” said Dan desperately; and Boardman knew that he was to stay outside while Dan reconnoitred the interior.  Dan opened one door after another till he stood within the hot brilliantly lighted hall.  Eunice Mavering was coming down the stairs, hooded and wrapped for a walk on the long verandahs before supper.

“Dan!” she cried.

“It’s all up, Eunice,” he said at once, as if she had asked him about it.  “My engagement’s off.”

“Oh, I’m so glad!” She descended upon him with outstretched arms, but stopped herself before she reached him.  “It’s a hoax.  What do you mean?  Do you really mean it, Dan?”

“I guess I mean it.  But don’t—­Hold on!  Where’s Minnie?”

Eunice turned, and ran back upstairs.  “Minnie!  Min!” she called on her way.  “Dan’s engagement’s off.”

“I don’t believe it!” answered Minnie’s voice joyously, from within some room.  It was followed by her presence, with successive inquiries.  “How do you know?  Did you get a letter?  When did it happen?  Oh, isn’t it too good?”

Minnie was also dressed for the verandah promenade, which they always took when the snow was too deep.  She caught sight of her brother as she came down.  “Why, Dan’s here!  Dan, I’ve been thinking about you all day.”  She kissed him, which Eunice was now reminded to do too.

“Yes, it’s true, Minnie,” said Dan gravely.  “I came up to tell you.  It don’t seem to distress you much.”

“Dan!” said his sister reproachfully.  “You know I didn’t mean to say anything I only felt so glad to have you back again.”

“I understand, Minnie—­I don’t dame you.  It’s all right.  How’s mother?” Father up from the works yet?  I’m going to my room.”

“Indeed you’re not!” cried Eunice, with elder sisterly authority.  “You shall tell us about it first.”

“Oh no!  Let him go, Eunice!” pleaded Minnie, “Poor Dan!  And I don’t think we ought to go to walk when—­”

Dan’s eyes dimmed, and his voice weakened a little at her sympathy.  “Yes, go.  I’m tired—­that’s all.  There isn’t anything to tell you, hardly.  Miss Pasmer—­”

“Why, he’s pale!” cried Minnie.  “Eunice!”

“Oh, it’s just the heat in here.”  Dan really felt a little sick and faint with it, but he was not sorry to seem affected by the day’s strain upon his nerves.

The girls began to take off their wraps.  “Don’t.  I’ll go with you.  Boardman’s out there.”

“Boardman!  What nonsense!” exclaimed Eunice.

“He’ll like to hear your opinion of it,” Dan began; but his sister pulled the doors open, and ran out to see if he really meant that too.