“I don’t either!” declared the lady, heartily; “you’re just right, Dolly. And Bernice shall be invited.”
“But Ethel says she won’t go, then,” began Grace, as Ethel herself spoke up, “Oh, of course I will, if mother says we must ask Bernice. I don’t care such a terrible lot, anyway, and I’m sorry I was snappy to you, Dolly.”
“I’m sorry I was snappy, too,” and Dolly’s pretty face showed real contrition. “Are you sure you won’t mind too much, girls?”
“Of course they won’t,” Mrs. Rawlins answered for them. She was a pretty, smiling little lady, and as a rule everybody who was with her liked to do as she said. “Now that is settled, Bernice shall be asked. Mustn’t we then ask one more boy?”
“Yes, Mother, and let’s ask Clayton to get some one. He knows a lot of boys, and he’ll know just which one to ask.”
“Good idea, Gracie. Is your dress ready, Dolly? What are you going to wear?”
“Oh, I can’t tell you that before the girls! You know it’s a masquerade.”
“Oh, yes, so it is. Well, set your mind at rest, dear. I’ll ask Bernice myself, and I’ll tell her about the masquerade. Don’t let any one know she’s coming, and then they’ll never suspect who she is, until you take off your masks.”
“Oh, what a lovely idea, Mrs. Rawlins,” and Dolly’s eyes shone with pleasure. “Don’t tell, will you, girls?”
“No,” said Grace, “but everybody will know, when they see seven girls, who the other is.”