"I'm afraid it is quite a party," she said at last, as her friend lifted the pretty dress from the bed.
"Oh, no! Not a real party; but we shall have some jolly fun. Don't be frightened, Ada; I gave you credit for more pluck."
"I am afraid I shall not be dressed enough," said Ada, flushing crimson; "I had no idea you expected so many. Do let me go home, Clara; it would be far better."
"Nonsense! But look here, Ada, I've a light silk dress here that would do, I believe, for you. Let me try it on you."
"Oh, no," said Ada, shrinking back. "I should not like to do that, Clara."
"Just as you like," answered Clara, shrugging her shoulders and looking vexed; "it would not have been so very dreadful, Ada."
Clara was too polite to add what was on the tip of her tongue—"I should have liked my friend to look as well as possible."
Ada felt somewhat taken in, and an aggrieved sensation came over her. She felt somehow that Clara had kept back the true nature of the party lest Mrs. Arundel should decline the invitation.
She however tried with all her might to throw off her depression, and busied herself about her friend's toilet with skilful fingers.
"You are ready now, are you not?" she said, looking with admiration at the graceful girl who stood before her.