"Rosalba!"
There was a tap on her shoulder and she gave such a start that the lace tumbled from her lap. Angela deftly caught it before it landed in the dust.
"I'm sorry, Rosalba, I did not mean to frighten you."
"Frighten me!"Rosalba rose from her chair, an expression of such fury on her face thatAngela drew back in a panic. "I am not frightened. I have never been frightened of anything in my life! You should not sneak up on a person like that."
"I am so sorry, Rosalba," said Angela, contrite. "It was thoughtless of me."
"Humph!" said Rosalba, but her features softened a little as she reached out for the lace.
Angela hesitated in the act of handing it over. "Why, Rosalba!" she exclaimed, "This is exquisite. Did you make this yourself? It is the most beautiful lace I have ever seen."
