When she did ask Clara, she said, "It was just a few friends, nothing much, and you must come early, so that we can have a talk first."
Ada's head was now full of what she should wear. She did not like to ask Clara, and before the eventful day, was quite worried with the subject. At last it was decided that she should put on her best Sunday dress. Her mamma would have advised her white muslin, but Ada thought it would be ridiculous if there were only one or two young ladies, and Mrs. Arundel did not press the matter.
"You must have gloves, Ada," said her mother.
"How horrid!" exclaimed Ada. "I do declare I shall feel so stuck-up."
Arthur, who was doing his lessons at the table, looked up and laughed.
Ada coloured with annoyance.
"How I should like to peep in on you, and see you sitting as fine as possible, clasping your elegant gloves."
"Hush, dear," said his mother. "Do not tease; your turn will come for this sort of thing some day."
"Not I," answered Arthur, who, boy-like, supposed that he would never have to conform to the conventionalities of life.
The day came at last, and Ada went to school as usual; but her mind was filled with thoughts of her coming treat. She met Clara just as she was entering the class-room, and looked into her face with questioning eyes. But Clara seemed exactly as usual, and was pre-occupied with her lessons. She hardly gave Ada a nod, but hurried off to her desk, and Ada followed with a sense of disappointment.