“I believe Dick would like our mamma to open a foundling hospital,” said Kate, with a sneer. “As it is, he keeps the barn full of dogs and cats, for we will not have them in the house.”
Stuart came up the walk, and Fan called him. He was tall and well-grown for his sixteen years, and Kate was delighted with him. He accepted her invitation at once but we were not prepared to give a positive answer.
But Mrs. Hyde came over the next morning and explained it to mamma. It was to be very select; that is, only rich people were to be invited. We stood on the boundary line. As daughters of a clergyman we could visit the poor without contamination, and the wealthier people were not expected to pass us by. So we had the best of both. But Fan declared that it was sometimes hard work getting squeezed into all sorts of places, whether you fitted or not.
“But the great business of this life is to make yourself fit,” papa always declared.
CHAPTER VI.
“One of us must certainly go to the picnic,” papa said; and he did not see why both could not go.
“Mrs. Whitcomb will have to leave us to-morrow,” mamma rejoined. “I do not believe I could spare you both. On the other hand, we do not desire to slight Mrs. Hyde’s kind invitation.”
“Let Fannie go then,” I exclaimed; “she and Stuart get along so nicely!”
“I am always ready,” said Fan. “But, at the same time, I do not feel as if I ought, in every case, to have the first choice and all the pleasures. I am willing to take my turn in staying at home.”