“Dreaming as usual, I suppose,” said Mary Lee. “I believe Nan is training to be a poetess; she spends so much time flocking by herself in wooded nooks and shady dells.”
“All the flocking by yourself in the world wouldn’t make you poetical, Mary Lee,” retorted Nan. “What’s up, girls? Give us the programme.”
“Oh, nothing definite has been arranged. We thought it would be fun to dress up in the evening and have a little dance. Miss Marshall says we may, and for that evening, as long as it is a double birthday, we needn’t have the lights out till ten. We’re all going over to the store to see what we can rake up.” Effie gave this information.
“I’ve about decided upon my costume,” Jo announced suddenly, “if I can manage to get it together in time. One day isn’t very much notice.”
“We’ll have two days, counting the birthday, for the thing won’t come off till evening,” said Mary Lee.
“That’s so. Well, I think maybe I can manage it if—but never mind, we mustn’t tell, you know.”
“I know what I shall do,” exclaimed Jack. “I wish Mr. Wells would hurry and come.”
“I think he’ll be along pretty soon,” Dr. Paul told her. “If he had known that such an exciting plan was to be talked of he would have come with me.”
It was evident from Jack’s speech that she meant to consult the artist about her costume. “I can’t decide till I see him,” she said further.
“Come here, Jean,” Nan called. “I have thought of something for you.” She whispered her suggestion to Jean who nodded approvingly.