She paused long enough to give a little sob which she could not repress . Margaret made use of the opportunity to exclaim violently , `` It 's a shame ! '' `` I suppose you do n't understand why I wanted to go to this particular party so much , '' went on Aunt Beatrice shyly . `` I 'll tell you why -- if you wo n't laugh at me . I wanted to see John Reynolds -- not to talk to him -- oh , I dare say he would n't remember me -- but just to see him . Long ago -- fifteen years ago -- we were engaged . And -- and -- I loved him so much then , Margaret . '' `` You poor dear ! '' said Margaret sympathetically . She reached over and patted her aunt 's hand . She thought that this little bit of romance , long hidden and unsuspected , blossoming out under her eyes , was charming . In her interest she quite forgot her own pet grievance . `` Yes -- and then we quarrelled . It was a dreadful quarrel and it was about such a trifle . We parted in anger and he went away . He never came back . It was all my fault . Well , it is all over long ago and everybody has forgotten . I -- I do n't mind it now . But I just wanted to see him once more and then come quietly away . ''
`` Aunt XXXXX , you are going to that party yet , '' said Margaret decisively .
Beatrice Long Margaret Reynolds everybody fault interest laugh shame years