The two neighbouring mothers talked matters over, and it was finally decided that the girls should not be allowed to go to the party with the boys this time, but perhaps they might later in the season. For the dances were occasional, and sometimes there were three or four during the winter. It was arranged that Mr. Fayre should take the two D’s and that Mr. Rose should go to bring them home, after the dance was over.
But new dresses were allowed, and Dotty’s of red organdie, and Dolly’s of white organdie and blue ribbons, were both pretty and appropriate.
They had new party cloaks, too, the first they had ever owned, and it made them feel exceedingly grown-up to have them flung round their shoulders. Dolly’s was of light blue cashmere, edged with swansdown, and Dotty’s was of scarlet cloth, bordered with a quilling of black satin. Hats were out of the question, and Mrs. Fayre presented each of the girls with a little lace scarf to wear on her head.
Very pretty they looked, as, all equipped at last, they got into the Fayre car, and rolled away. Mr. Fayre gave them alternately, compliments on their appearance and advice as to how to behave.
“Why, Dads,” said Dolly, laughing, “any one would think we had never been out before.”
“Well, you haven’t; that is, to a real evening party.”
“No, but we went to a dance down at Surfwood, it can’t be so very different.”
“No, I suppose not,” rejoined Mr. Fayre, and then they were at the School.
The dance was held in the big Assembly Room, and the Committee had decorated it with flowers and palms, so that it had a gala air indeed. The girls went to the cloak room, and as they emerged, the Brown twins met them. Such dressy Brown twins! And indeed, everybody looked different from the schoolmates they were.
“Hello,” said Tad; “come on, you’re late. The girls are getting their cards all filled up. Here are yours.”