"Come!" she said, "now run out, and do your very best, Floretta."
"I'm not going out!" said Floretta.
"What an idea!" cried Mrs. Paxton. "Of course you'll run out, and show every one how cute you are. Why, I planned this entertainment just to give you a chance to show off!"
"And made me the last one on the whole list!" snarled Floretta.
"Come, come!" cried her mother, "every one couldn't be first. I thought I'd have the others perform first, and then you could show who was the smartest! Come! They're just wild to see what you can do, and they're waiting."
"They'll have to wait!" hissed Floretta, like a cross little cat.
It was no use to urge, plead, or insist. Floretta was stubborn, and when once she had determined what she would, or would not do, nothing could move her.
Prayers and threats were equally useless.
Dorothy sang very sweetly, and was cordially received.
Uncle Harry and his wife sang a charming duet that delighted all, the orchestra played a military caprice, and then the remainder of the evening was spent in a little, informal dance.