Ada would have hesitated had she dared, as she would have preferred to ask her mamma's permission; but Clara had already laughed at her in a good-humoured way once or twice about "asking mamma;" and as this could not be anything the least underhand, she let it take its course, though secretly somewhat anxious as to what mamma would think of her friend.
So when they left the school door, they turned Ada's way, and soon arrived at No. 8.
"Here is my friend Clara May, mamma," said Ada, entering the drawing room, where her mamma was at work.
Clara May came forward and shook hands readily. She was quite used to good society, and had but little bashfulness. Nevertheless when she looked into Mrs. Arundel's face, a new feeling came over her, and instead of at once laughingly putting her request, she began to talk of the hot weather, and of how glad she was Ada and she were in the same class.
Mrs. Arundel chatted pleasantly to her, and Clara felt it more and more difficult to say what she wanted. At last she rather hurriedly began—
"Oh, Mrs. Arundel! Would you let Ada come to see us? Mamma said she should be so pleased to know her."
Ada looked anxiously at her mother, and Mrs. Arundel answered—
"If your mamma likes, dear, Ada may come to call on you at home."
"Oh, thank you," said Clara; "then you may, Ada, and I shall take you home to-morrow after school."
Clara soon after took her leave, and Ada and Mrs. Arundel were left alone.