“Perhaps not,” agreed Mr. Fayre. “These matters are uncertain. I should be glad not to leave Berwick, for I like my New York business, and my suburban home; but what is to be will be, whether it ever comes to pass or not.”
This was one of Mr. Fayre’s favourite nonsense speeches and always made the girls laugh. Dolly laughed now, perhaps a little more than the occasion demanded, for she knew a small joke of her own.
Dotty, too, controlled her smiles discreetly and as the subject was lightly passed over, no one suspected that the postponement was due to Dolly’s endeavours.
“Bernice Forbes is going to have a party,” Dolly said, after a time.
“Is she?” said Mrs. Fayre, interestedly. “When?”
“On the thirtieth. It’s her birthday. I ’spect it will be a lovely party. Can I have a new frock, Mother?”
“Why, I think so. You need one more new party dress this winter, and you may as well have it for that occasion.”
“I thought Bernice wasn’t much liked by your crowd,” said Trudy.
“Well, she isn’t a favourite,” said Dolly, slowly, “but I think she’s better liked than she used to be. Anyway, everybody’ll be glad to go to her party.”
“Yes,” said Trudy, “and then talk about her afterward! I think that’s mean.”