At it they went pell-mell, and as the chorus rose high and strong the beach-party returned, and entered the front door to be greeted by the assurance that Britons never, never, never should be slaves!
CHAPTER XVI
A WELCOME INVITATION
WITH great presence of mind Hester suddenly turned out the lights in the music-room, and under cover of the darkness the girls scurried away.
Mrs. Lennox, grasping the situation, led her guests to the parlor, remarking:
“I allow my maids the use of the piano once a week. One can’t be too strict with them, and besides it keeps the instrument in better condition.”
Lady Pendered sniffed a little at this, and opined that the American customs were beyond her ken.
As the services of the lady’s-maids were required late at night, it had been arranged that Millicent and Helen should sleep at Mrs. Lennox’s; but the other six returned to Hilarity Hall.
Uncle Ned and Aunt Molly called for them at the kitchen door, and it was with difficulty they repressed their merriment until they were far enough down the street to be out of ear-shot.
Then all the girls talked at once, and as they had most appreciative listeners, the fun waxed high.