"You see, there is plenty of room in the country to grow," explained Betty.
"Can I do some sums?"
"Oh, yes."
Plainly, figures were a delusion and a snare to little Doris Adams. They went astray so easily, they would not add up in the right amounts. Mrs. Webb did not like the children to count their fingers, though some of them were very expert about it. When the child got in among the sevens, eights, and nines she was wild with helplessness.
Supper time came. This was Warren's evening for the debating society, which even then was a great entertainment for the young men. There would be plenty of time to give them the invitation. Mrs. Leverett was sorry she had consented to Betty's going, but it would have made ill friends.
The next day Mrs. Hollis Leverett, the eldest son's wife, came up to spend the day, with her two younger children. Doris was not much used to babies, but she liked the little girl. The husband came up after supper and took them home in a carryall. Doris was tired and sleepy, and couldn't stop to do any sums.
Betty was folding up her work, and Warren yawning over his book, when Mrs. Leverett began in a rather jerky manner:
"Mrs. Morse was in and invited you both to Jane's birthday party next Thursday night."
"Yes, I saw Joe in the street to-day, and he told me," replied Warren.
"I said I'd see about you, Betty. You are quite too young to begin party-going."