Patricia had offended him that afternoon by calling him a little boy.
“You mustn't say that,” said Katie, who, being a year older than her cousin Reginald, felt obliged to reprove him when things that he said were just a little too naughty.
“You just tell me, Katie Dean, do you b'lieve she has?” he asked, but Katie was talking to Mollie, and she chose to let him think that she had not heard his question.
The day set for the two sleighrides was clear and crisp.
Mrs. Dainty and Aunt Charlotte were entertaining each other with exchanging memories of Mrs. Dainty's school-days when with her classmates she had been as popular as Dorothy now was, and Aunt Charlotte had found it a task to keep them under good discipline without quelling their high spirits.
The fire in the grate flamed higher and crackled merrily, and in the glow the two ladies were enjoying tea, small cakes, and bonbons.
“You may go for a short sleighride, if you wish,” Mrs. Dainty said, “if you and Nancy will dress very warmly for the trip. Aunt Charlotte and I have decided to remain here cosily by the fire.”
“But Romeo hasn't been out for days, and I don't mind the cold. It'll be just gay out in the crisp air,” Dorothy said.
“Then surely you may go if it is to be so very gay,” said Mrs. Dainty, laughing, “but remember what I said about wearing warm wraps and furs.”
Dorothy promised, and soon, with the groom riding behind them, they were off over the road.