Again that amused smile flitted over Mrs. Berry's face.
"As you like," she said, indifferently. "All your frocks are pretty."
Alicia returned to the others, and told them all the conversation.
"I hope Uncle Forbes does come down," said Dolly, "I think it would be nicer to have him there."
"Come, now, old mother Prim, don't throw cold water on our little party," said Alicia. "You know how the conversation would run, with uncle at the helm!"
"It wouldn't run at all," laughed Bernice, "it would stagnate!"
When the girls began to dress for the tea, there was a wide diversity of opinion as to appropriate costumes.
"Our very best," said Alicia decidedly. "Nothing's too good for Bayne!"
"You'd better be careful," warned Dotty, "you'll call him Bayne to his face! You use it so much!"
"Don't care if I do!" returned Alicia, pertly. "I say, Doll, is THAT your best frock?"