But before Bernice could respond, they heard Bob’s name called by a loud voice on shore, and looking hack, they saw Mr. Rose in his motor-car, beckoning to Bob.
“ ’Scuse me just a minute,” said the boy and ran to see what his father wanted.
“Awfully sorry,” he said as he returned, “but I’ve got to go off with Dad. It’s a special matter, or I wouldn’t leave you. We must have another skate together, before I go back.”
With a wave of his cap, Bob ran off to join his father, and Bernice was alone again. Again Dolly came to the rescue.
This time she went for Bert, who was skating with Dotty.
“Bert Fayre,” she began, “you go straight and skate with Bernie, and you make her have a good time, and don’t let her know I sent you. Go right off, and don’t muff it! Do it up right. I’m about all in, and this game is going to be too much for me, unless somebody helps me and helps me right. Go on, now,—and Dot and I will skate together.”
Impressed by Dolly’s tense voice and harassed face, Bert obeyed.
“All right, little sister,” he said. “Trust big buddie to do it up to the queen’s taste. Tra-la-la!” with a flourishing bow. Bert left the two girls and skated over to where Bernice stood, looking pettish and sulky.
“Ah, there, Diana,” greeted Bert; “been waiting for a chance at you. What did you do with Bob?”
“His father came, and he had to go away.”