"I daresay it's all right, my dear. Of course, such things weren't done in my day, but young folks are different now. And Mr. Forbes said you girls were to do pretty much as you like."
"Were you surprised at our asking for this?" Alicia persisted.
"Well, yes, since you ask me, I must say I was surprised. Especially when I found Dolly Fayre was the ringleader."
"Oh,—well,—she DID ask you, didn't she? Maybe Dolly isn't such a quiet little mouse as she seems."
"Dolly's all right," and Mrs. Berry spoke with some asperity. "Now,
I'll send tea in at quarter past four, is that your idea?"
"Oh, Mrs. Berry, won't you be present?"
"No; I have my duties, and I observe them properly, but to preside at tea is not one of them. Your uncle expressly ordered that."
"Do you mean Uncle Jeff ordered that we should receive Mr. Coriell alone?"
"Well, he didn't direct that I should be there. If he wants to come down, he will."
"Very well," and Alicia suddenly became dignified, "we can manage. I suppose it will be proper to dress up a good deal?"