"That Billings person was quite nice after all, wasn't he?" Sue wakened from her dream long enough to remark. "I rather liked him. He's awfully devoted to Billy. It was quite touching the way he talked about him."
Blue Bonnet and Annabel laughed outright.
"I don't see anything to laugh at. What's the matter with him?"
"Nothing. I think he's fine," Annabel answered. "And so clever! Just think of any one being discerning enough to find the way into Sue's good graces by the Billy route!"
Sue got up and drawing her bath-robe closer about her started for the door.
"I think I'll say good night," she said. "I have a Latin exam to-morrow and I've set my alarm for five-thirty."
But Annabel, intercepting, drew her to the hearth-rug and began humble apologies.
"Don't be silly, there's an old dear. I was only teasing—you know that. You're not going for an hour yet. Come to think of it, you'll not go at all; you'll sleep in Ruth's bed. We've loads to discuss, loads! We haven't mentioned Hammie McVickar or that Mr. what's his name—Stuart, wasn't it? or the refreshments. Come to think of it, Blue Bonnet's going to stay, too. We'll roll the couch over here by the fire and give her my down comfort—or my bed, if she prefers it."
An invitation that was accepted after some protest by both.