A few moments later Patricia's mother entered. She was showily dressed, and her many pieces of jewelry made Arabella stare. She did not know that those glittering rings and bangles were worth very little money.
“Now, Patricia, you know I don't like to have you buy so much candy,” whined Mrs. Lavine.
“I haven't much candy,” replied Patricia, “that Arabella's got belongs to her.”
Arabella looked quickly at Patricia. Was not that a sort of fib? Patricia had not said that Arabella had bought her package of candy, but she had certainly intended her mother to think so.
Mrs. Lavine took a book from the table, and sat down by the window to read.
Soon Patricia became restless.
“Let's go out again,” she said, and in a few moments they were running down the stairs, and out into the street.
“I've got a little more money, and we'll have some ice cream,” said Patricia.
Arabella wondered where she got her money, but dared not ask her, and while she was thinking about it Patricia spoke.
“I asked you over to my house because I think I'd like you for my best friend,” she said, “and because I've got something to tell you.”