And though only a little over sixteen years old, an innate spirit of coquetry had begun to show itself, and her dark, roguish eyes and dimpling smile often captivated the boys who belonged to what the school-girls called “our set.”
Not that Betty was really romantic. Her coquetry was more mischievous than sentimental, and, though she loved to tease, her warm, generous nature never allowed the teasing to hurt the feelings of another. It was an open secret that both Harry Harper and Ralph Burnett were especial admirers of Betty, and, in an amicable, good-natured way, were rivals for her favor.
But Betty was impartial, and at dancing-school or at the little “neighborhood parties” would accept attentions equally from both.
However, Betty’s popularity was only a matter of degree, and gay, laughing Dorothy, lovely, quiet Jeanette, and pretty Lena Carey were also favorites in school and out. As the quartet walked along, Lena said:
“I’ve a lovely secret to tell you, but as we’re almost at school now, I think I’ll leave it until recess.”
“No, tell us now!” clamored the others.
“My! but you’re curious!” teased Lena. “No, I won’t tell you now, but I’ll tell you part of it. Just enough to stir up your curiosity a little more. I’m going to have a party!”
This was indeed interesting, but not another word would Lena tell, and so all the morning the three eager girls could only wonder what sort of a party it was to be, and how big, and when, and a thousand other important questions.
But at recess the four gathered in a corner of the school-yard, and Lena expounded.
“It’s a Hallowe’en party,” she said, and then had to wait for their delighted exclamations to pause before she could proceed.