“Only two people beside you,” answered Sophia Jane immediately. “Monsieur La Roche and his sister.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Susan. She paused a moment, for it seemed a bold stroke on Sophia Jane’s part; then she added:
“I should like them to go very much; but sha’n’t you ask anyone else? Not Margaretta and Nanna?”
“I don’t mind asking them,” said Sophia Jane, “because I know they won’t come.”
And she was quite right, for on hearing of who were to form Sophia Jane’s party to Pegwell Bay, Nanna and Margaretta became very scornful.
“What a ridiculous party!” exclaimed Margaretta. “Now, if you were to ask the little Winslows and their governess, and Mr and Mrs Bevis and those nice-looking pupils, how much better it would be. Nanna and I would go with you then.”
“Of course,” added Nanna, “if you’re going to have Monsieur and his sister, who always look such absurd objects, you couldn’t ask any one else. But I call it very nonsensical. I wonder Aunt Hannah allows it?”
“Aunt said I might ask who I liked,” replied Sophia Jane, “and I do like Monsieur and Mademoiselle, and I don’t like the Winslows, and I can’t bear Mr Bevis’ pupils. You and Nanna may come if you like.”
“We’re much obliged to you,” answered Margaretta with dignity, “but we greatly prefer staying at home.”
So as Sophia Jane had said, there were only to be two guests beside Susan, for though Aunt Hannah was invited and made no objection at all to the party, she excused herself from joining it.