"Four o'clock," came the answer. "Meet our crowd at the rink. So glad you can come."
"So are we," returned Dolly, "and thank you, ever so much. Good-bye."
"Good-bye," said Turner, and Dolly hung up the receiver.
"Tell us more," cried Alicia. "What did you hang up so soon for? Why didn't you let US talk to him? What an old selfish you are!"
"I couldn't, Alicia," and Dolly looked hurt. "I knew from his manner and speech that he only; wanted a reply to his invitation, and I wasn't expected to say more."
"But why did he ask for you?" grumbled Alicia; "why not for me?"
"I don't know, I'm sure," and Dolly laughed; "he did, that's all. Let's go and tell Uncle Forbes about it."
"All right, girls; all right. Glad you're going. Have a good time. Marly Turner? Yes, yes, son of the Bayard Turners. Nice boy. His crowd will be all right. Can you all skate? Did you bring your skates? If not, get some. Get whatever you want. Look as good as the rest. Good-night now. Good-night, all."
Abruptly, as usual, Mr. Forbes left the room, and as the girls were getting accustomed to his eccentricities they nodded their good-nights, and then began to plan for the skating party.
Mrs. Berry appeared and helped them decide on certain details of costume and accessories.