“No,” agreed Bernice, “there’s nothing wrong about it. But can you do your part?”
“Can you?”
“Yes, I know I could. I can make Dad do anything. He spoils me,—and he’d move to Kamchatka if I wanted to, or send anybody else there if I said so.”
“Yes, I knew he was like that. It’s a shame, Bernie, with all your lovely home and privileges and everything, that you’re not top of the heap here.”
“Well, I’m not. And I’m not at all sure, Dolly Fayre, that you can help to put me anywhere near the top.”
“Oh, yes, I can.”
“How? By making the girls come to see me? Or by forcing the boys to dance with me? I know of your efforts in those directions, and don’t you s’pose they make me feel cheap?”
“Bernice, I don’t wonder. And I’m glad you spoke like that. No, I don’t mean to do it that way,—not entirely. But if we go into this bargain, you and I, it must be a real bargain, and you must help,—not hinder any part of it.”
“Oh, Dolly, I’d only be too glad to help. If I could be popular,—I don’t mean actually top of the heap, but just liked by the crowd, I’d be so glad. And if you could help bring it about, I’d make father do what you want. I know I could, But, I won’t do it unless you do what you say you will.”
“All right, Bernice,” and Dolly looked thoughtful. “But, you see, if Dad’s orders are changed, I suppose it ought to be done at once. And I can’t do my part all in a jiffy, it will naturally take a little time.”